News Summary
Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old from Bowling Green, has been released from ICE custody after over 20 days of detention. His $1,500 bond was granted following community support and protests aimed at raising awareness. Advocates argue that his Special Immigrant Juvenile status protects him from deportation, despite ICE’s claims. Community members welcomed him home with a gathering at Teranga Academy, showcasing their solidarity and concern for immigration policies affecting vulnerable youth.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Ernesto Manuel-Andres, an 18-year-old resident of Bowling Green, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after more than 20 days of detention. His bond was set at $1,500 by a judge during a hearing on June 24, following his initial detention on June 4, 2025, shortly after his high school graduation. Advocates feared that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would appeal the bond decision, but this did not occur, allowing Manuel-Andres to return home.
The young man, originally from Guatemala, holds Special Immigrant Juvenile status and Deferred Action status granted by the DHS, which protects him from deportation due to his experiences of abandonment, neglect, or abuse. Despite these legal protections, ICE charged him with being in the country illegally, a claim that advocates dispute based on his status.
During his detention, Manuel-Andres was transferred between three facilities before finally being held at the ICE facility in Monroe, Louisiana. His release came as a result of a significant community effort that included protests and prayer vigils, aimed at raising awareness of his situation. The local community rallied together, demonstrating strong support for him during his time in custody.
Upon his return to Bowling Green, a celebratory gathering took place at Teranga Academy, the school from which he graduated, where approximately 100 community members were present to welcome him home. Manuel-Andres expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from both the local residents and the national community, although he declined to give media interviews due to ongoing legal matters, describing his ordeal as “incredibly difficult and traumatic.”
In support of Manuel-Andres, the Bowling Green community launched fundraising efforts that successfully raised over $30,000 to cover his legal fees and bond. Luma Mufleh, a noted immigration advocate, played a key role in the efforts to raise awareness about his case. The principal of Teranga Academy, Kristi Costellow, underscored the community’s collective commitment to support Manuel-Andres in doing what is right.
The situation drew empathy from City Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown, who related to Manuel-Andres’ circumstances due to her own son being of similar age. The community’s actions have highlighted broader issues regarding immigration policies and the treatment of youth with legal protections currently in place. Activists argue that such cases demand greater attention to ensure fair and humane treatment of those facing deportation risks, particularly vulnerable youth like Manuel-Andres.
As the community continues to embrace Manuel-Andres, he has made it clear that the support he has received has been invaluable, significantly impacting his journey through this challenging period. The unfolding events not only signify the individual story of a teenager confronted with ICE challenges but also amplify the ongoing conversations surrounding immigration reform and the critical need for policies that protect vulnerable populations.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: Ernesto Manuel-Andres Returns
- Wikipedia: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- Fox 56 News: Bowling Green 18-Year-Old Release
- Google Search: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
- WBKO: Bowling Green Teen Released
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- WKU Herald: Community Celebrates Return
- Google News: Ernesto Manuel-Andres
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.
