Pressure is growing on Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree following the arrest of five juveniles during a student protest Friday, as residents packed a borough meeting demanding their release and calling for accountability from local leadership.
The confrontation began after nearly 35 Quakertown Community High School students walked out to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. The school district had initially permitted the demonstration but canceled it Friday morning, citing what officials described as “a new and concerning threat of violence.”
“This was in no way an attempt to silence students,” the district said in a statement. “Instead, we were adhering to our primary responsibility to prioritize the safety of all students and staff members.”
Despite the cancellation, students proceeded with the walkout. Police intervened, and five juveniles were arrested during the confrontation.
As of Monday night’s borough council meeting, the juveniles — some as young as 15 — remained detained.
During public comment, residents called for immediate action.
“Most importantly, we demand that the borough publicly advocate for the immediate release of all five children, some as young as 15 years old,” one speaker said.
Criticism quickly turned toward Chief McElree.
“How can you fix the police force here? Something needs to change. He needs to be fired,” another resident told council members.
A parent urged elected officials to take responsibility for oversight, saying, “You guys are community leaders, please hold your other leaders accountable.”
Police have defended their response, stating that students engaged in disruptive behavior that included kicking vehicles and damaging property. The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, however, has accused McElree of acting as a “counter-protester” during the arrests, raising questions about the chief’s role in the confrontation.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident to determine whether officers followed proper procedures and whether the force used during the arrests was appropriate.
In the days following the protest, the district said counselors and additional support staff would be present at the high school as students returned to classes. District officials reiterated that their decision to cancel the walkout was based on safety concerns after consulting with law enforcement.
The incident has prompted debate within the Upper Bucks County community about how student demonstrations should be handled and the balance between maintaining order and protecting students’ rights to protest.
As the district attorney’s investigation proceeds, residents have indicated they will continue pressing borough officials for transparency and answers about the detention of the five juveniles.
