Community Demands Accountability After ICE Standoff in Trooper, Montgomery County

Immigrant rights advocates call for policy changes and termination of agents involved in dramatic arrest.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

After a tense standoff between federal immigration agents and a Montgomery County family, community leaders, immigrant rights advocates, and family members gathered to demand accountability and policy changes. The group called for the termination of the agents involved and urged local governments to pass laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the need for greater oversight and accountability around immigration-related arrests and detentions.

The details

Cellphone video recorded during the incident shows federal agents forcibly entering a home in Trooper, Pennsylvania to arrest Jose Lopez, who they claim had an expired visa and was previously charged with a DUI. Lopez's family disputes the agents' claim that he "weaponized his vehicle and rammed an ICE vehicle." After a standoff, agents arrested Lopez in front of his family, with his cousin Guadalupe Lopez saying "When they slammed him down, he couldn't do anything. There were like five to six cops on top of him punching him, hitting him." The family is demanding compensation for damage to the home and Lopez's immediate release.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • Community leaders and advocates gathered on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 to demand accountability.

The players

Jose Lopez

The Montgomery County resident who was arrested by federal immigration agents during the standoff.

Guadalupe Lopez

Jose Lopez's cousin, who witnessed the arrest and disputed the agents' claims about his actions.

Jasmine Rivera

A representative of the PA Immigrant Coalition, who spoke at the community gathering to demand accountability and policy changes.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose agents were involved in the arrest.

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What they’re saying

“When they slammed him down, he couldn't do anything. There were like five to six cops on top of him punching him, hitting him.”

— Guadalupe Lopez, Jose Lopez's cousin (6abc.com)

“We will fight for our families, we will fight for our freedom, and we will fight for our future.”

— Jasmine Rivera, PA Immigrant Coalition (6abc.com)

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the community is calling for the termination of the agents involved and the passage of local laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration enforcement, as well as the need for greater oversight and accountability around immigration-related arrests and detentions. The community's demands for policy changes and accountability reflect the broader struggle for immigrant rights and protections.