Community holds vigil for Ernesto Manuel-Andres as he remains in ICE custody

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – On Tuesday, the Bowling Green community gathered at Christ Episcopal Church to hold a vigil in honor of Ernesto Manuel-Andres, who is still in ICE custody.

The idea for the vigil came from a group of local faith leaders who hope he comes home.

“Our goal this evening is simply to keep Ernesto’s name out there,” Rev. Dr. Steve Pankey with Christ Episcopal Church said. “As long as his name is out in the community, in our hearts, he cannot be forgotten. So that’s our goal tonight… it’s our goal throughout each day going forward as we hope to bring Ernesto home.”

The evening included the lighting of candles and sharing stories about who Ernesto is.

“One of the bright spots that we’ve talked about over and over is seeing the Bowling Green community stand up in love and support for Ernesto,” Zachary Brandt with Christ Fellowship Church said. “I moved to Bowling Green ten years ago, and one of the first things I noticed and fell in love with about the city is that pride we take in our international community, and I felt that this last week or two with Ernesto’s story. So thank you all for being here.”

One story in particular involves Ernesto’s graduation just a few short weeks ago.

“He’s graduated high school… he’s learned English… he’s ready to go out into the world,” Brandt said. “He’s worked so hard to get here, and he feels joy in celebrating that with his family… and yet the humility to stop and thank those who helped him get there… and so I hope that these stories just kind of convey to you the sense of who Ernesto is, who it is that you’re gonna be praying for… and kind of put some life behind the pictures that maybe you’ve seen on social media.”

Rev. Dr. Pankey said he’s blown away by how many people showed up to support Ernesto and pray for him.

“One of the things that I love about Bowling Green is how the community shows up for each other, and especially for our immigrant and refugee community,” Pankey said. “So to see all these people out here, most of whom don’t know Ernesto at all, but they’re here because they want to do what’s right… and they want to ask God for justice to reign.”

The night ended with three simple things for those attending to live by:

“Go in peace, go in purpose, and go in love,” Carla Lafontaine with Broadway United Methodist Church said.

There will be another vigil at Broadway United Methodist on Thursday at 7PM. The community is welcome to attend.