July 8, 2025

Community Unites Against ICE Detention of Local Youth

News Summary

The detention of 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel-Andres, a legal resident of Bowling Green, by ICE without a warrant has ignited community protests and raised concerns about immigration practices. Despite holding Special Immigrant Juvenile status and protections under the Deferred Action program, Ernesto was taken into custody during a family issue, disrupting his access to legal counsel. As community members rally for his release, local officials call for due process to be observed for individuals with legal status, highlighting a growing anxiety within immigrant communities regarding deportation threats.

Bowling Green – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel-Andres, a resident of Bowling Green with legal status, without a warrant or deportation order. The incident took place on June 4, 2025, and has sparked growing concerns among community members regarding ICE’s practices involving warrantless arrests of individuals with legal protections.

Ernesto, a recent graduate of Bowling Green Independent Schools and a former student at Teranga Academy, was taken into custody following the arrest of his father in a nearby parking lot. This incident quickly escalated as ICE agents visited their family apartment at 625 Church St., where they detained Ernesto despite his presentation of legal documentation affirming his status.

Holding a Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, Manuel-Andres is legally authorized to reside in the United States because of experiences of abandonment, abuse, or neglect. Additionally, he is protected from deportation under the Deferred Action program offered by the Department of Homeland Security. Despite this legal framework, the actions taken by ICE during his arrest have incited alarm over the treatment of those with valid status.

During his five-day detention, Ernesto was transferred between three different facilities, disrupting his ability to consult with legal counsel. Detention records confirmed his presence at Grayson and Laurel detention centers before his transfer to a facility in Monroe, Louisiana. Notably, he has no criminal record and has been verified as maintaining his legal status, with no charges formally filed against him by ICE.

A pending bond hearing for Manuel-Andres is scheduled for June 18, with estimates suggesting that the bond amount could range between $15,000 and $20,000. In response to his detention, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with bond costs, swiftly reaching its initial fundraising goal of $20,000.

Superintendent of Bowling Green Independent Schools, Gary Fields, has expressed pride in Manuel-Andres’s accomplishments and hopes for a positive resolution regarding his legal status. Furthermore, Elizabeth Heller, a teacher at Teranga Academy, shared insights about him as a nurturing and dedicated student.

The community has rallied in support of Eugene, with local advocacy group SOKY Indivisible organizing protests that drew nearly 200 attendees demanding his release. Local officials have expressed a desire for due process to be granted to Manuel-Andres, taking into account his established legal status.

This event raises profound concerns about the treatment of individuals with legal status in the U.S. and underscores the growing fears within immigrant communities about the potential for deportations. Local police and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office confirmed their non-involvement in the detainment process, indicating that ICE operations are conducted independently.

Activists have highlighted that the case of Manuel-Andres exemplifies disturbing trends within ICE practices, particularly regarding the treatment of immigrants who possess legal protections. Community members and family are increasingly anxious about the implications of this incident and what it signifies for the rights of immigrants residing in the U.S.

Ernesto entered the U.S. from Guatemala in December 2022 and has spent approximately 2.5 years in Kentucky prior to his detention. As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to determine how legal proceedings will address his case and what ramifications it may have for others with similar legal statuses.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Florida’s Controversial Immigration Detention Center Faces Challenges
Bowling Green Man Arrested for Child Abuse
New Autism Support Center Opens in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Kentucky State Fair Offers Discounted Admission for July 4th
New Migrant Detention Facility ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Opens in Florida
Murder Trial Continues for Defendants in Crystal Rogers Case
Senate Passes Major Tax and Immigration Bill, Ignoring AI Regulation
Murder Trial Resumes for Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson
Murder Trial of Brooks Houck and Joseph Lawson Begins
Murder Charge Filed Against Bowling Green Man After Shooting

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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!