QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – At least five teenagers and one adult have been taken into custody after police responded to an anti-ICE student-led protest on Friday.
Quakertown police say they responded to the demonstration at approximately 11:35 a.m..
Approximately 50 students initially marched along 5th and Broad streets.
A portion of protesters engaged in “disruptive and unsafe behavior,” prompting police intervention to protect public safety and maintain order, according to the police.
Officers say they repeatedly warned protesters to remain out of traffic to ensure public safety.
As the protest reached East Broad Street, some protesters began engaging in disruptive behavior, including throwing snowballs at vehicles, kicking cars, and damaging property, such as tearing a side mirror from a car, the police said in a statement.
Officers issued additional warnings, according to officials.
The protest later moved to Front Street and Juniper Street, where participants blocked traffic and jumped in front of vehicles, according to police.
Additional officers were called to the scene when confrontations escalated, and some people assaulted officers, according to the police statement.
Police say that at this time, five to six teenagers and one adult have been taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests may result.
“The Quakertown Police Department remains committed to ensuring public safety while respecting the right to peaceful protest,” the police said in a written statement.
The Quakertown School District said it was informed on Thursday night about the planned protest, and that the administration advised students and families that the student-led walkout should not occur on Friday morning.
The district says that approximately 35 Quakertown High School students left the school building without permission and proceeded to Front Street in Quakertown.
Local law enforcement told the district that students were engaging in unsafe and disruptive behavior in town, according to a statement from Lisa Hoffman, acting superintendent of the district.
District administrators immediately coordinated with the police and placed the High School and Quakertown Elementary into an external lockdown to preserve a safe learning environment, according to school officials.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., the lockdown was lifted and all school operations returned to normal, according to the district’s statement.
The district says it is actively investigating multiple reports regarding the actions of any student who left the building without permission. The district is awaiting more information from the police.
Police presence was requested at school dismissal to ensure the safety of students, families, and staff, according to the superintendent.
School officials say that additional information about the incident will be shared as they learn more.
“On behalf of the entire school district community, I want to extend my gratitude to the students who remained in school, to the staff members who assisted in keeping students and their colleagues safe, and to our many law enforcement and emergency safety partners who immediately came to our aid,” Hoffman said in a written statement.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office also said it is aware of the incident and is currently gathering information.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned with 69 News on the web and on air for the latest updates.