Bowling Green, Kentucky, July 27, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Bowling Green gathered to celebrate the release of 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an immigrant from Guatemala. He was detained by ICE despite having Special Immigrant Juvenile status. The community rallied support through protests and a successful GoFundMe campaign that raised over $30,000 for his bond. His legal challenges continue as he navigates his visa application, but the community’s solidarity highlights the importance of immigrant advocacy.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Over 100 residents gathered on June 25 to celebrate the release of 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an immigrant from Guatemala, who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The community welcomed him home with signs and banners, some reading “Welcome Home” and others stating “Free Ernesto.”
Manuel-Andres was arrested on June 4, charged with entering the country illegally, despite having Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status, which offers legal protection to undocumented children who have faced abuse or neglect. He had been living in the U.S. since 2022 and was on a waiting list for a visa to apply for a green card.
His situation became dire when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded its deferred action policy for special immigrant juveniles on June 6. This change left Manuel-Andres in a difficult position, as leaving the U.S. could result in losing his protected status, while remaining without a visa exposed him to detention and possible deportation.
Throughout his detention, Manuel-Andres was moved three times between various facilities in Grayson County, Laurel County, and finally Monroe, Louisiana. The community rallied support for him, with friends, teachers, and local organizations actively organizing protests, vigils, and writing letters to public officials.
Interestingly, this support emerged from a predominantly conservative area, as evidenced by Warren County’s 61% vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Manuel-Andres graduated from Teranga Academy, a school for immigrants operated by Fugees Family, emphasizing the importance of education for young immigrants.
Key figures among those supporting him included Luma Mufleh, the director of Teranga Academy, and former principal Kristi Costellow, both pivotal in mobilizing community action. A GoFundMe campaign was set up and successfully raised over $30,000 to help cover his bond.
On June 24, Manuel-Andres posted a $1,500 bond and was subsequently released; however, legal challenges remain as he is at risk of being detained again if he is unable to secure a visa. Community leaders expressed relief at his return, recognizing the collective effort that made it possible. Many people in Bowling Green were already aware of his case and rallied behind his efforts to gain freedom.
Upon his return, Manuel-Andres conveyed his happiness and gratitude towards the community for their crucial support. Members of the International Center of Kentucky underlined the significance of community advocacy for immigrants like him. There is awareness of broader implications, as other families in similar situations are reaching out regarding relatives they have lost contact with.
As future legal proceedings await Manuel-Andres, the Bowling Green community hopes to continue supporting him through this challenging process.
FAQs
Who is Ernesto Manuel-Andres?
Ernesto Manuel-Andres is an 18-year-old immigrant from Guatemala who was detained by ICE after entering the U.S. illegally. He has special immigrant juvenile status and was recently released from detention.
What happened to Ernesto during his detention?
Ernesto was moved between three different detention centers before finally being released on June 24, 2023, after community support helped raise funds for his bond.
How did the Bowling Green community support Ernesto?
The community organized protests, vigils, and a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $30,000 to support his legal fees and bond, showing significant backing from friends, neighbors, and local organizations.
What is the next step for Ernesto Manuel-Andres?
Ernesto is currently navigating his legal status and faces ongoing legal challenges with the possibility of further detention if he does not secure a visa.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Ernesto Manuel-Andres |
| Age | 18 |
| Origin | Guatemala |
| Date of Arrest | June 4, 2023 |
| Date of Release | June 24, 2023 |
| Community Support Fund | $30,000 raised via GoFundMe |
| Status | Awaiting Visa Application |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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HHS Secretary Announces Ban on Undocumented Immigrant Children from Head Start
Investigations of Inhumane Treatment at Florida Immigration Facility
Community Unites Against ICE Detention of Local Youth
Zohran Mamdani’s Quest for NYC Mayor Ignites Debate
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
Federal Judge Upholds Temporary Protected Status for Haitians
Additional Resources
- The Militant: People in Kentucky Town Win Fight to Free Youth from ICE Jail
- Wikipedia: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- Bowling Green Daily News: Ernesto Manuel-Andres Returns and Bowling Green Celebrates
- Google Search: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- WNKY: Fugees Family Releases Statement Regarding Release of Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- Fox 56 News: Bowling Green 18-Year-Old Held by ICE for Nearly 3 Weeks Released
- Google News: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- Spectrum News 1: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- Bowling Green Daily News: Ernesto Manuel-Andres Released on Bond
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.
