Quakertown Residents Demand Police Chief's Resignation After Student Protest Arrests

Community members criticize police tactics and call for investigation into officers' actions during ICE protest walkout at local high school.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Students and community members in Quakertown, Pennsylvania are demanding the resignation of the local police chief, Scott McElree, after video showed him wrestling a student to the ground during a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Residents accused the police of choking, punching, and tackling students who were peacefully demonstrating, and criticized the school district for its response.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage in the community and raised concerns about police use of force against student protesters, as well as the school district's handling of the situation. It has also led to calls for a thorough investigation into the officers' actions and the school's role in the events.

The details

During a school walkout protest against ICE, video footage showed Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree physically confronting and wrestling a student to the ground. Community members, including students and the co-founder of a local activist group, condemned the police tactics, describing the students as being "choked, punched, tackled and held with their faces to the pavement." They accused the police of inserting themselves into the student protest without properly identifying themselves or assessing the situation first. The borough council has requested an investigation by the district attorney's office, while the school district says it is working to provide counseling support for students and staff.

  • The incident occurred during a school walkout protest against ICE on an unspecified date.
  • Residents demanded answers from the borough council during a public meeting on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Scott McElree

The Quakertown police chief who was involved in the physical confrontation with student protesters.

Inarah Menhart

A Quakertown High School student who witnessed her classmates being "choked, punched, tackled and held with their faces to the pavement" by police.

Laura Foster

The co-founder of the local activist group Upper Bucks United, who called for McElree's suspension and questioned why he was at the student protest in plain clothes.

Colin Hancock

A Quakertown student who said he did not feel safe going back to school or his own home after witnessing the police chief assaulting a 15-year-old student.

Desiree Craft

The older sister of Colin Hancock, who questioned the safety of the community and why the arrested students have not been released.

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What they’re saying

“I had to witness my best friend and fellow classmates choked, punched, tackled and held with their faces to the pavement unrightfully, which is beyond obscene and inexcusable. How could we students stand back as our friends had their dignity and rights ripped away?”

— Inarah Menhart, Quakertown High School student

“Why did he insert himself into a situation involving children without first identifying himself or assessing the circumstances?”

— Laura Foster, Co-founder, Upper Bucks United

“I do not feel safe going back to school tomorrow. I do not feel safe having to walk to school tomorrow.”

— Colin Hancock, Quakertown student

“How am I supposed to expect my child to grow up in this community safe?”

— Desiree Craft

What’s next

The district attorney's office is requesting that anyone with information, photos or videos related to the incident contact Bucks County detectives. The school district is also working to provide counseling support for students and staff, and police will be present at Quakertown High School this week to assist with the return to class.

The takeaway

This incident has sparked outrage in the Quakertown community and raised serious concerns about the use of force by police against student protesters, as well as the school district's response. It has led to calls for a thorough investigation and accountability for the officers involved, as well as questions about the safety and well-being of students in the community.