5 Students Arrested After Quakertown Anti-ICE Walkout Clash

Police chief faces investigation and calls for removal after confrontation with student protesters

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Five students were arrested after a Feb. 20 anti-ICE walkout in Quakertown, Pennsylvania turned violent. The confrontation between police and students has sparked an independent investigation into the police response, with the police chief's involvement being central to the case. Calls have grown for the chief's suspension or removal, as witnesses say he did not identify himself as a police officer during the altercation.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by police against student protesters, as well as questions about the role of law enforcement in responding to school walkouts. The case highlights ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the rights of students to engage in political protest.

The details

During the Feb. 20 walkout involving about 35 students from Quakertown Community High School, a confrontation occurred between police and students. Five teens were arrested, with several facing aggravated assault charges. Three of the students were later released, while two remain in custody. Cell phone videos appear to show the police chief, who was in plain clothes, physically engaging with students, including a teenage girl being taken to the ground and a 15-year-old placed in a chokehold. Witnesses said the chief did not identify himself as a police officer.

  • The walkout took place on February 20, 2026.
  • Three of the five arrested students were released on February 24, 2026.
  • The Quakertown Community School District school board meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

The players

Scott McElree

The Quakertown police chief who was involved in the confrontation with student protesters, reportedly in plain clothes and without identifying himself as a police officer.

Manuel Gamiz

Spokesperson for the Bucks County District Attorney's Office, which is conducting an independent investigation into the police response.

Donald 'Don' Souders

Defense attorney representing a 16-year-old arrested in the incident.

Witold Walczak

Legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, who called for a full and transparent investigation into the incident.

Dr. Lisa Hoffman

Acting superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District, who has focused on student support and safety in the aftermath of the incident.

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What they’re saying

“A cop came over and started talking to us because one girl was in the street. And that's when the chief of police, dressed in plain clothes — we were not aware he was chief at the time — he ran over and grabbed a student by his backpack and yanked him over and started beating him up.”

— Colin Hancock, Student participant in the protest (southphillyreview.com)

“This act that he did now is absolutely egregious, and our community is sickened by it. All of us, we're heartbroken. The trauma these kids went through was deplorable. And we would expect better from our police, and we would expect more from our borough. At this point we would have hoped that they made a statement. We're hoping to get some answers tonight.”

— Laura Foster, Community member (southphillyreview.com)

What’s next

The Quakertown Community School District school board is holding a meeting on February 27, 2026 to address the incident, and the Bucks County District Attorney's Office is conducting an independent investigation into the police response.

The takeaway

This incident has raised serious concerns about the use of force by police against student protesters and the role of law enforcement in responding to school walkouts. The case highlights the ongoing tensions around immigration enforcement and the rights of students to engage in political protest, and underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in policing.