ACLU accuses Quakertown police chief of acting as 'counter-protester'

Civil rights group says police incited violence during student walkout against ICE

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has accused Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree of violating his duty to 'serve and protect' during a student protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week. The ACLU says there were no issues at the demonstration until police arrived and incited violence, leading to the arrest of five teens and one adult.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about the appropriate role of law enforcement in handling peaceful student protests, as well as questions about police tactics and accountability when interacting with demonstrators exercising their First Amendment rights.

The details

On Friday, about 30 students participated in a walkout at Quakertown Community High School to protest ICE actions, after the school district had canceled a planned walkout that day. Videos showed officers wrestling students to the ground during the confrontation with police. The ACLU has reached out to the student demonstrators and is cooperating with the Bucks County District Attorney's Office investigation.

  • The student walkout took place on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

ACLU of Pennsylvania

A civil rights organization that has accused the Quakertown police chief of acting as a 'counter-protester' during the student demonstration.

Scott McElree

The Quakertown Police Chief who the ACLU alleges violated his duty to 'serve and protect' during the student protest.

Quakertown Community High School

The high school where the student walkout against ICE took place.

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What they’re saying

“By all accounts, including abundant video evidence, there were no issues at the demonstration until Quakertown police arrived and incited violence.”

— Witold Walczak, Legal Director, ACLU of Pennsylvania (whyy.org)

What’s next

The Bucks County District Attorney's Office is investigating the incident, and the outcome of their investigation may determine any further actions or consequences.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and student protesters exercising their First Amendment rights, and the need for clear policies and training to ensure police respond appropriately to peaceful demonstrations without escalating tensions or infringing on civil liberties.