ICE Raid in Montco Sparks Outrage from Elected Officials

Local leaders condemn 'brutal' and 'cruel' tactics used by federal immigration agents.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Local, county, and state elected officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania condemned a recent ICE raid in Lower Providence Township that they described as 'brutal' and 'cruel.' Witnesses reported seeing children crying, a family in shock, and a home destroyed after agents broke down the door. Elected leaders vowed to protect immigrant communities and condemned the use of masks by ICE agents during the operation.

Why it matters

The raid has sparked outrage among local officials who view the tactics used by ICE agents as inhumane and a violation of basic dignity. It also raises concerns about the Trump administration's plans to open an ICE detention center in nearby Berks County, which officials say is no place to 'store human beings.' The incident highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement in the region.

The details

According to witnesses, more than 20 unmarked vehicles, some with Uber stickers, and masked ICE agents descended on a home in Lower Providence Township on Monday. Federal agents detained Jose López after a standoff in which his cousin, Guadalupe López, was reportedly injured when agents broke down the door while her 8 and 13-year-old brothers were inside. Local officials, legal observers, and community members gathered to protest and document the agents' actions.

  • The ICE raid took place on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • On Tuesday, February 11, 2026, local, county, and state elected officials held a press conference to condemn the raid.

The players

Dr. Jeanine Darby

A Lower Providence Township supervisor who was present at the scene of the ICE raid and witnessed the aftermath.

Jose López

The individual detained by federal agents during the raid.

Guadalupe López

The cousin of Jose López who was reportedly injured when agents broke down the door of the home.

Greg Scott

A Democratic state representative from Montgomery County.

Art Haywood

A Democratic state senator representing parts of Montgomery County and Philadelphia who organized the press conference.

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What they’re saying

“What I saw was devastating. Children crying, a family in shock and a home destroyed after agents broke down the door. No child should feel that kind of fear in their own home.”

— Dr. Jeanine Darby, Lower Providence Township Supervisor

“ICE agents, if you can hear me: Do not follow these cruel orders that violate the basic dignity that we all recognize. And for all immigrants who are terrified, traumatized by what they see on television and in these neighborhoods: We stand with you.”

— Art Haywood, State Senator

“If you think that this can't happen to you, you're wrong. If you allow this kind of unlawful behavior without due process to happen to one person, it can happen to anyone.”

— Katie Muth, State Senator

What’s next

State Senator Art Haywood is hosting a nonviolent resistance training on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia to help prepare the community for potential escalation of immigration enforcement actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns over the aggressive tactics used by ICE agents in immigrant communities, even in the face of strong local opposition. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability of federal immigration enforcement to protect the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status.