Federal authorities have arrested a 26-year-old New Jersey man, Brendan John Geier of Madison, following an alleged assault on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an anti-ICE protest at a detention facility in Newark. The arrest occurred on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ reported that the incident took place outside Delaney Hall detention center, where protests against ICE operations had persisted for over a week. During these demonstrations, some protesters have been accused of engaging in violent acts directed at federal agents.
“Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers,” stated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The DOJ clarified that Geier faced charges of assaulting federal officers and causing bodily harm. Blanche mentioned the lack of local law enforcement support during the protests and raised the possibility of further arrests as investigations proceed.
“We will not tolerate the vicious attacks we have seen in Newark,” Blanche emphasized, pledging accountability for criminal behavior.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nine individuals were arrested during the Thursday clashes. Federal officials noted that ICE agents resorted to using pepper spray and other crowd-control methods in response to confrontational demonstrators.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin remarked, “Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The DOJ detailed that the incident occurred at around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. Prosecutors explained that a large group of demonstrators had blocked roadway access to the detention center, prompting federal officers to form a defensive line. Despite commands to disperse, the crowd, including Geier, reportedly remained defiant.
Geier allegedly resisted deportation officers, resulting in a physical confrontation where he was accused of kicking and biting officers. Both injured officers received treatment at a local hospital.
Authorities also noted that another individual was arrested near Delaney Hall for allegedly issuing death threats against an ICE officer and the officer’s family.