A 26-year-old New Jersey man faces federal charges after allegedly assaulting law enforcement officers and causing bodily injury during a demonstration outside a detention facility in Newark.
Brendan John Geier, of Madison, New Jersey, was charged by complaint and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais. The charges stem from an incident on the night of May 28 near the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Delaney Hall Detention Facility.
According to court documents and statements made in court, ICE deportation officers were conducting perimeter enforcement and crowd-control operations during a demonstration. Around 10:30 p.m., a large group of demonstrators was blocking a road leading to and from the facility. Officers formed a line and ordered the crowd to “move back” to clear the roadway for vehicles.
Federal authorities state that the demonstrators, including Geier, ignored the commands. Geier then allegedly engaged in a physical struggle with the officers, kicking one and biting the forearm of a second officer and the knuckle of a third. Both injured officers received treatment for their injuries at a local hospital.
Federal officials released statements following the arrest emphasizing the distinction between lawful demonstration and violence against law enforcement.
“Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Federal officers are protecting United States’ property and facilities. With virtually no local law enforcement support from New Jersey, rioters are regrouping and attacking. We will not tolerate the vicious attacks we have seen in Newark the last few days, and we will make arrests and hold people accountable for criminal conduct.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also addressed the incident, noting the specific allegations of the altercation outside the facility.
“As alleged in the Justice Department’s complaint, this violent rioter savagely bit an ICE law enforcement officer outside of Delaney Hall. The Trump Administration will always stand with our law enforcement officers,” Mullin said. “Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey reiterated that the office would pursue legal action against individuals who interfere with federal duties through physical violence.
“As alleged, this defendant responded to lawful orders from federal officers by kicking one and biting two others who were performing their official duties,” Frazer said. “Assaulting law enforcement officers is unacceptable. Period. Federal officers must be able to carry out their responsibilities without being subjected to violence, intimidation, or obstruction. This Office will continue to prosecute those who, as alleged here, assault officers and interfere with the lawful execution of their duties.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark stated that the agency remains committed to investigating acts of violence directed at personnel during these gatherings.
“To be clear, peaceful protest does not mean biting, kicking, or punching law enforcement officers,” Karabinas said. “The repeated assaults on federal officers at Delaney Hall are criminal acts — not protected speech. Homeland Security Investigations is unwavering in its commitment to hold those who attack law enforcement fully accountable under the law.”
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