News Summary
Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old from Bowling Green, was released from ICE custody after nearly a month due to community support and financial contributions. His legal status under Special Immigrant Juvenile Status should protect him, despite facing charges. Activism in Bowling Green, including organized protests and support from local officials, played a crucial role in his release, noted as a significant win for immigration reform. Despite acknowledging community backing, Manuel-Andres currently navigates ongoing legal matters while readjusting to life post-detention.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old resident of Bowling Green, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after nearly a month of detention. His release on July 3, 2025, was made possible thanks to community advocacy and support that raised over $30,000, allowing for the payment of a $1,500 bond.
Manuel-Andres was detained beginning June 4, 2025, and spent weeks in a detention center in Monroe, Louisiana. He is eligible to remain in the U.S. under Special Immigrant Juvenile Status due to past experiences of neglect, abuse, or abandonment. This legal status affords him indefinite security in the country. Despite his legitimate status, ICE charged him with unlawful entry, complicating his situation.
The bond that led to Manuel-Andres’s release was facilitated by Luma Mufleh, founder and CEO of The Fugees Family, an organization that supports youth from similar backgrounds. His release followed an opportunity when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to file an appeal by the required deadline. This lapse allowed his legal team to proceed with the bond process effectively.
Activism within the Bowling Green community played a significant role in advocating for Manuel-Andres’s release. Local residents organized protests and vigils to bring attention to his case, with at least two city commissioners voicing their support. The financial contributions made to a GoFundMe campaign demonstrated a strong community commitment, showcasing how deeply residents care about immigrants’ rights and individual cases. The law firm Minsky, McCormick and Hallagan, PC represented Manuel-Andres, emphasizing that his legal documentation was overlooked in ICE’s charges.
Ernesto Manuel-Andres has graduated from high school in Bowling Green, marking a significant personal achievement before his detention. Upon his release, he recognized the overwhelming support from the community. However, he declined media interviews due to ongoing legal matters related to his case.
During his detention, Manuel-Andres experienced a distressing situation involving multiple transfers, ultimately leading him to the detention facility in Monroe, Louisiana. A spokesperson from a refugee program indicated that the experience was traumatic for him, and he is currently adjusting to life after detention.
The events surrounding his case have sparked discussions regarding immigration policies and practices in the United States, highlighting the intersection of legal status and individual circumstances. Released just before the Fourth of July holiday, Manuel-Andres’s return is perceived as a triumph for local advocates and organizations working on immigration reform.
Looking ahead, while he enjoys a temporary reprieve, Manuel-Andres remains in a precarious position due to ongoing legal matters. Nevertheless, his release is a beacon of hope and a positive outcome amidst the complexities of the legal system and immigration enforcement in the United States.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Supports Release of Detained Immigrant in Bowling Green
Local Community Celebrates Release of Young Immigrant
WKU Student Charged After Disruption at Speech Competition
Community Celebrates Release of Detained Teen in Bowling Green
Ernesto Manuel-Andres Released from ICE Detention in Kentucky
Bowling Green Teen Released from ICE Custody After Detention
Community Rally Supports Release of Bowling Green Resident
Community Support Leads to Release of Bowling Green Teen
Bowling Green Man Arrested for Animal Abuse
Bowling Green Teen Detained by ICE Despite Legal Status
Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- Kentucky.com
- Google Search: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- Fox 56 News
- Google Scholar: Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Spectrum News 1
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Immigration
- KFVS 12 News
- Google News: Bowling Green Kentucky immigration
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.
