Authorities arrested a New Jersey man accused of biting two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during an anti-ICE protest outside a Newark detention facility. Brendan John Geier, 26, from Madison, New Jersey, was charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury, according to the Department of Justice.
The incident occurred outside Newark’s Delaney Hall detention center, where protests have continued for over a week, with reports of assaults on federal agents. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that peaceful protest does not mean attacking federal law enforcement. “Federal officers are protecting the United States’ property and facilities,” Blanche stated, noting the lack of local support for maintaining order.
As the investigation continues, authorities anticipate more arrests. Blanche declared zero tolerance for violent actions against federal officers in Newark, with commitments to arrest and prosecute individuals engaging in criminal conduct.
The protests have become confrontational at times, leading to the use of pepper spray by federal agents and crowd-control tactics. Nine individuals faced arrest during the clashes, as per the Department of Homeland Security. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin supported law enforcement efforts, condemning the assault on ICE officers.
Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,Mullin affirmed.
The DOJ detailed an incident at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, where demonstrators blocked access to the detention center, prompting officers to line up and advance. Geier allegedly resisted by engaging in a scuffle, kicking, and biting officers, resulting in injuries.
Subsequent to the day’s events, authorities also arrested a second individual for allegedly threatening an ICE officer and their family. Such incidents highlight ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement activities and the response from protesters.
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