News Summary
Community support in Bowling Green has surged for 18-year-old Ernesto Manuel-Andres, who was detained by ICE despite having legal protections. Advocates and local leaders gathered to protest his detention, emphasizing the need for due process and highlighting concerns regarding the implications for the immigrant community. Manuel-Andres holds Special Immigrant Juvenile status and Deferred Action, which should protect him from deportation. Amid raising legal funds, community members continue to rally for his release amidst fears of bias in his upcoming legal proceedings.
Bowling Green Community Advocates for Detained Teen
Bowling Green teenager Ernesto Manuel-Andres, 18, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 4, 2025, despite his legal authorization to remain in the United States. His case has sparked widespread protests, with over 200 community members attending a rally on June 11, 2025, demanding his release and adherence to legal due process.
Manuel-Andres was granted Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and Deferred Action from the Department of Homeland Security, protections that should prevent him from deportation. He entered the U.S. as an unaccompanied minor and was placed in the care of family members in accordance with legal requirements aimed at keeping children in the least restrictive environment. Following his detention, he was moved between three different facilities within five days and is currently being held in Monroe, Louisiana.
Protesters gathered near City Hall, chanting slogans like “Due process is the law” and “Bring Ernesto home.” Local leaders, including Bowling Green City Commissioner Carlos Bailey, participated in the demonstration, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice for Manuel-Andres. City officials are coordinating efforts to gather information regarding his case and advocating for his rights.
The legal charge against Manuel-Andres centers on allegedly “unlawfully entering the U.S. without admission or parole.” Advocates argue that this charge fails to acknowledge his existing legal status, which provides him protection from deportation. Legal experts have expressed that it is unprecedented for ICE to detain an individual with Deferred Action, especially considering his lack of a criminal background.
Manuel-Andres’ SIJ classification grants him legal standing, while the Deferred Action status is valid until February 2029. In light of his situation, a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering potential legal fees and a bond hearing has raised over $22,000 within the first 48 hours.
Additionally, ICE’s proposal to transfer his trial to Louisiana is viewed skeptically by advocates, as this location is known for low grant rates for bond hearings. This move has raised concerns that it may be a deliberate tactic to make it more difficult for Manuel-Andres to secure release.
Support for Manuel-Andres extends beyond the protest, with various advocacy groups and individuals stating that he complied with all necessary legal requirements and had no pending charges. The overwhelming community response to his detention demonstrates solidarity not only for him but also for the broader immigrant population in Bowling Green.
Local leaders, including Mayor Todd Alcott and Bowling Green Police Chief Michael Delaney, were present at the protest, reinforcing their support for the principle of due process. Community members have expressed concern about the implications of ICE’s actions on the local immigrant population, emphasizing the need for justice and recognition of the rights of all individuals within the community.
Manuel-Andres graduated high school in Bowling Green just weeks before his detention. His teachers describe him as a kind, hardworking, and respectful student, indicating strong community ties that have further galvanized support for his cause. His case has gained significant media attention and highlights the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States under current policies.
The situation remains fluid as community members, leaders, and advocates continue to rally efforts aimed at securing Manuel-Andres’ release and reinforcing the importance of due process for all individuals facing legal challenges.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Bowling Green Non-Profit Starts GoFundMe for Teen Detained by ICE
- Wikipedia: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- BG Daily News: New Details Emerge in Case of ICE Detained Teen
- Google Search: ICE detained teen
- Kentucky.com: Local Teen Detained Despite Legal Authorization
- Google Scholar: Immigration Law
- Newsweek: ICE Arrests Teenager Weeks Before Graduation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration Law
- WNKY: Teranga Academy Graduate in ICE Custody
- Google News: Immigration ICE Detention
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.
