Quakertown solicitor releases 4 recommendations after anti-ICE protest incident

The Quakertown Solicitor released a report on Thursday that said police actions in which students were arrested during an anti-ICE protest in Feb. 2026 were “consistent with established training.” However, the report also provided four recommendations for future situations.

The report was requested by the Police Chiefs Association of Bucks County after Quakertown community members raised concerns about the actions of the borough’s police chief, who was seen on video getting involved in an altercation with protesters while wearing plain clothes.

Five teenage protesters were arrested and later charged due to the incident, which began as a school walkout to voice opposition to ICE.

The solicitor’s report four stated recommendations are:

1. Officers should have their badge or other markings displayed during interactions
2. Similar protests should be equipped with “arrest teams”
3. Use body worn cameras
4. Establish a public relations plan for when incidents “garner significant interests, opinions, and media coverage.”

Chief Scott McElree

Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree, who is currently out on medical leave, suffered three broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a lacerated ear and a possible concussion during the incident, the report said.

Although McElree was in plain clothes, the report said that he arrived in a car that had its emergency lights flashing, and he stepped into the crowd to assist another officer making an arrest.

According to the report, McElree had interacted with protesters in his car at the intersection of 4th and Broad streets, where he identified himself as a police officer and requested the protesters stay out of the street.

However, some witnesses said that it was McElree who initiated the violence and that they did not know he was a police officer.

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is still investigating the Quakertown Police Department’s role in the incident.

This is a developing story; check back for more updates.