Two Quakertown Teens Appear in Court Over Anti-ICE Protest

Charges against one teen dropped, others headed to trial over February incident with police

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists against a stark black background, the metal cuffs and skin texture dramatically illuminated by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a sense of tension and confrontation.The legal battles stemming from a violent altercation between Quakertown teens and police during an anti-ICE protest expose tensions over how authorities respond to youth activism.Quakertown Today

Two of the five teenagers involved in a legal battle stemming from an altercation with Quakertown police during an anti-ICE protest earlier this year appeared in court on Tuesday. One defense lawyer said the most serious charge against his 16-year-old client was dropped, while another lawyer said his 15-year-old client's case is headed to trial on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Why it matters

The incident sparked controversy in the community, with some feeling the teens are being unfairly targeted while the police chief who was allegedly involved has not faced consequences. The outcome of the trials could have broader implications for how law enforcement responds to youth-led protests.

The details

During the February 20th protest, parts of the incident were captured on video, showing Quakertown police chief Scott McElree allegedly placing one of the teens in a chokehold. The teens were subsequently charged with various offenses, including simple assault and disorderly conduct. One teen accepted a deal to have misdemeanor charges expunged, while the other two cases are now headed to trial.

  • The incident occurred on February 20, 2026 during an anti-ICE protest in Quakertown.
  • The two teens appeared in court on April 14, 2026.

The players

Timothy Prendergast

Defense lawyer representing one of the 16-year-old teens.

Ettore Angelo

Defense lawyer representing one of the 15-year-old teens.

Scott McElree

Quakertown police chief who was allegedly involved in the incident with the teens.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's always been our position that my client is not guilty of anything, that we would like to see her exonerated.”

— Timothy Prendergast, Defense Lawyer

“We were here I guess in hopes that there was gonna be some kind of a settlement. That did not come to fruition.”

— Ettore Angelo, Defense Lawyer

“My client asserts her innocence. She feels as though she didn't do anything wrong. So, we have to go to trial and let the judge determine whether she, in fact, committed either of these offenses.”

— Ettore Angelo, Defense Lawyer

What’s next

A trial date has not yet been set but will be within 30 days for the two teens whose cases are headed to trial.

The takeaway

The outcome of the trials for the Quakertown teens could have broader implications for how law enforcement responds to youth-led protests, with concerns that the teens are being unfairly targeted while the police chief involved has not faced consequences.