Bowling Green City Commissioner Beasley-Brown issues statement on detention of Ernesto Manuel-Andres

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — On Monday, Bowling Green City Commissioner Dana Beasley-Brown issued a statement emphasizing the urgent need to uphold the constitutional rights and human dignity of Ernesto Manuel-Andres, a local teenager who remains in federal custody despite meeting legal criteria for release.

“Here in Bowling Green, we’re reminded how important it is to protect the fundamental rights that unite us as Americans,” Beasley-Brown said.

According to a release by Beasley-Brown, Manuel-Andres, a law-abiding teenager with legal authorization to remain in the United States, appeared before a federal judge earlier Monday. The judge granted him the lowest possible bond. This action would have allowed him to return home today. However, the Department of Homeland Security exercised its right to appeal, resulting in his continued detention.

“Respect for the rule of law is a cornerstone of our country, and Ernesto has done everything asked of him,” Beasley-Brown said. “As a Bowling Green resident on American soil, he has constitutional rights.”

Reflecting on her oath of office and her family’s legacy of service, the commissioner drew a personal connection to the current situation.

“When I was sworn in as a Bowling Green City Commissioner, I took an oath to defend the Constitution. During World War II, my grandfather endured horrific conditions in a POW camp in Germany. My uncle sacrificed his life in Vietnam to save other soldiers. They taught me to stand up for the values that define us as Americans.”

Beasley-Brown also expressed how her faith has impacted her response to the situation.

“As a woman of faith, I’ve been praying and reading scripture to guide me,” she said. “The Bible tells us to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbor and to act justly. As Jesus said, ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’”

Calling the issue a moral imperative rather than a political one, she added: “This is about whether or not we mean it when we say ‘liberty and justice for all.’ I will continue to fight for Ernesto like he’s my own. Because if this can happen to him, it can happen to any of our kids.”

Full Statement from Commissioner

“Here in Bowling Green, we’re reminded how important it is to protect the fundamental rights that unite us as Americans.”

“Ernesto Manuel-Andres is a local teenager who followed the law. He has legal authorization to be in this country. A federal judge reviewed his case this morning and granted him the lowest possible bond which would have allowed him to come home today, but the Department of Homeland Security reserved their right to appeal which means they will continue to hold him. 

“Respect for the rule of law is a cornerstone of our country, and Ernesto has done everything asked of him. As a Bowling Green resident on American soil, he has constitutional rights. 

“When I was sworn in as a Bowling Green City Commissioner, I took an oath to defend the Constitution. During World War II, My grandfather endured horrific conditions in a POW camp in Germany. My uncle sacrificed his life in Vietnam to save other soldiers. Each of them taught me to stand up for the values that define us as Americans.

“As a woman of faith, I’ve been praying and reading scripture to guide me. The Bible tells us to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbor, and to act justly. As Jesus said, ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’

“This is not a political issue, it’s a moral one. It is about whether or not we mean it when we say “liberty and justice for all.

“I will continue to fight for Ernesto like he’s my own. Because if this can happen to him, it can happen to any of our kids.”