June 17, 2025

Community Rallies Against ICE Detention of Local Teen

News Summary

In Bowling Green, residents protested against the ICE detention of 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel-Andres, claiming he has legal grounds to remain in the U.S. The rally drew significant community involvement, with city officials and educators supporting the cause. Amid growing fears regarding immigrant rights, the protest emphasized due process and sparked a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal fees. Participants voiced their concerns about the implications of ICE actions on local immigrant families, highlighting a nationwide trend in opposition to similar detentions across the country.

Bowling Green, KY – Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions have gained momentum across the nation, including in Bowling Green, where residents gathered on Wednesday evening to demonstrate against the detention of local teenager Ernesto Manuel-Andres. The protest took place at the intersection of Russellville and Morgantown roads, drawing significant community attention and participation.

Participants expressed their outrage and support for Manuel-Andres, chanting phrases such as “Bring Ernesto home” and “Due process is the law.” Many held signs bearing messages like “Stop illegal detention” and “Detention without due process is kidnapping,” underlining the widespread sentiment of concern within the community regarding local immigrant rights.

Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old who recently graduated high school, was taken into custody by ICE on June 4. His attorneys maintain that he was legally permitted to stay in the United States under Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status, a classification designed to protect individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Legal documentation indicates that Manuel-Andres has Deferred Action protection, which is valid until February 2029. This legal standing is at the heart of the current dispute surrounding his detention.

The detention of Manuel-Andres raised alarm among community members, prompting the organization of the protest to advocate for his release. Those in attendance included city officials and educators who knew the young man. The solidarity shown during the rally underscored the emotional toll ICE detentions have on families within the immigrant community.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by a local non-profit, successfully raising over $20,000 to assist with Manuel-Andres’ legal fees and potential bond requirements. The financial support reflects the community’s commitment to seeking justice for him during this unsettling situation.

The atmosphere of the protest was one of unity, with city officials like Commissioner Carlos Bailey voicing support for due process in Manuel-Andres’ case. Mayor Todd Alcott also expressed the desire for the young man to return home emphasizing the critical importance of providing legal recourse for individuals in similar situations. The demonstration lasted several hours, with police officers present nearby to monitor the event.

Further complicating matters, legal representatives for Manuel-Andres indicate that the charges against him overlook his valid legal paperwork and assert that his detention is unprecedented given his clean criminal record and legal status. His scheduled bond hearing has been moved to Louisiana, a state recognized for its lower grant rates for bond requests, raising additional concerns about his prospects for release.

In conjunction with the protest, misinformation surrounding Deferred Action and SIJ classifications was addressed, as attorneys sought to clarify the legal landscape for attendees. The event, fueled by attendees’ passion and purpose, is part of a broader movement opposing ICE operations and advocating for immigrant rights nationwide.

This incident in Bowling Green reflects an increasing national trend where communities are mobilizing against ICE actions that they view as unjust, particularly regarding individuals who meet specific legal criteria for protection under U.S. immigration policy. The unfolding situation of Ernesto Manuel-Andres serves as a poignant example of the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families across the country.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Four Individuals Indicted on Immigration Charges in Kentucky
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Community Rallies for Detained Immigrant Youth
Community Protests Erupt Over Detainment of Recent Graduate
Community Protests Arrest of Bowling Green Teen by ICE
Bowling Green Residents Rally Against ICE Raids
Downtown L.A. Bars and Restaurants Struggle Amid Curfew and Protests

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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