June 27, 2025

Community Supports Release of Detained Immigrant in Bowling Green

News Summary

Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old from Bowling Green, was detained by ICE despite holding legal status. After community support and fundraising efforts, he was released from custody. Advocates raise concerns about ICE practices and call for systemic change in immigration detention policies following Manuel-Andres’s case, highlighting fears among local residents about ICE operations.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old Bowling Green resident, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 4, 2025, despite holding legal status in the United States. Advocates reported that he was detained without a warrant or deportation order, with ICE officials arresting him even after he presented his legal documentation, which includes Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and participation in a Deferred Action program.

Following community support, Manuel-Andres was unexpectedly released from a detention center in Louisiana on June 24 after a failed bond appeal by the Department of Homeland Security. His release was celebrated at Terenga Academy, a learning center designed for immigrant and refugee youth, where members of the community gathered to express their relief and support.

The Bowling Green community actively rallied around Manuel-Andres during his detention, raising over $30,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to cover his bond and assist his family. The outpour of support included organizing two vigils and multiple protests, including one outside the office of Rep. Brett Guthrie, advocating for his release.

Manuel-Andres was taken into custody alongside his father during the same incident. Advocates noted that he was moved to three different detention facilities within five days, making it difficult for him to access legal counsel. Throughout the ordeal, he maintained a clean record with no criminal history or pending charges, leading advocates to question the legitimacy of his detention.

Luma Mufleh, founder of the advocacy organization Fugees Family, highlighted that Manuel-Andres’s situation is representative of larger immigration challenges facing many families in similar circumstances. His detention and subsequent release have sparked discussions about the treatment of immigrants and the practices of ICE in local communities.

Despite being released, Manuel-Andres’s legal troubles are far from over. He will remain out on bond while facing unspecified charges as legal proceedings continue. ICE has yet to provide clarity regarding the grounds for his detention and any charges that may be pending.

Principal of Teranga Academy, Kristi Costellow, expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout the difficult period of Manuel-Andres’s detention. The community’s involvement illustrates a strong commitment to advocating for the rights of individuals facing detention by ICE.

The awareness raised in Bowling Green reflects a broader concern shared by many in the area, as residents express fears about ICE operations. Several individuals are reportedly hesitant to speak publicly regarding these issues due to worries about potential retaliation.

In the wake of these events, Fugees Family has pledged to continue its advocacy efforts for others who have faced wrongful detentions by immigration authorities, emphasizing the need for systemic change to prevent such incidents in the future.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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