Bucks County DA Investigates Quakertown Police Response to Student Walkout

The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office has initiated an investigation into the Quakertown Police Department’s response to a student walkout at Quakertown High School. The walkout was held by students protesting actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Community Outcry Follows Confrontation

Parents of students, community members, and civil rights organizations, including Bucks County NAACP, Bucks County Indivisible, Upper Bucks United, and Welcome PA, held a press conference outside the Quakertown Police Department on Saturday morning. This followed a confrontation on Friday that resulted in multiple arrests.

"When young people are involved in an encounter with law enforcement, the standard for care, restraint and adherence to policy are high and must be adhered to."
— Adrienne King, President of Bucks County NAACP

King added that publicly circulating video has prompted questions in the community.

Student Protest and Official Response

Over 30 Quakertown High School students walked out of class on Friday to protest ICE. This occurred after the school had canceled a planned walkout.

Quakertown Police released a statement indicating that students were disruptive and damaging property. The police statement reported that five to six juveniles and one adult were in custody as of Friday afternoon.

Eyewitness Accounts Emerge

Two anonymous witnesses, both 20-year-old Bucks County residents, reported observing the Friday morning confrontation from Sunday’s Deli & Restaurant. They stated they saw students walking on sidewalks, holding signs, and chanting “No more ICE.”

One witness described seeing a man in a brown jacket lunge towards a group of students and grab one, after which students began striking the man.