Morris County Man Accused of Assaulting ICE Officers During Delaney Hall Demonstration in Newark
A Morris County man is facing federal charges after authorities said he assaulted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a protest outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark.
According to federal officials, 26-year-old Brendan John Geier of Madison was arrested following an incident that took place Thursday night during ongoing demonstrations near the immigration detention center. Prosecutors allege that Geier physically confronted ICE officers who were assigned to security and crowd-control operations outside the facility.
Court documents state that at approximately 10:30 p.m., a large group of protesters gathered near a roadway leading into Delaney Hall and blocked access to the area. Federal officers reportedly formed a security line and instructed demonstrators to move back from the roadway.
Authorities allege that Geier did not comply with those instructions and instead became involved in a physical confrontation with officers. During the encounter, prosecutors claim he kicked law enforcement personnel and bit two officers. One officer was allegedly bitten on the forearm, while another suffered a bite injury to a knuckle.
Federal officials said both officers received medical treatment at a local hospital for injuries sustained during the incident.
Geier was charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais on Friday following his arrest.
The case has drawn attention as tensions continue around demonstrations connected to Delaney Hall. Protesters have been gathering outside the facility throughout the week in support of detainees who say they began a hunger strike to protest conditions inside the detention center. Delaney Hall is a privately operated facility that houses immigration detainees under a federal contract.
Federal officials emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations are protected, assaults on law enforcement officers are subject to criminal prosecution. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that peaceful protest does not include violent actions against federal officers who are performing their duties.
Homeland Security officials also condemned the alleged assault and said attacks on federal personnel will be prosecuted under federal law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey is handling the prosecution in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations.
The arrest comes amid several days of confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement outside the Newark facility. Multiple arrests have been reported during the protests.
On Friday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that the New Jersey State Police would assume responsibility for public safety operations outside Delaney Hall. The state also established designated protest areas aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining order around the site.
Despite those measures, additional clashes were reported Friday night involving protesters and State Police. State officials said a small number of individuals were responsible for escalating the situation.
The investigation into Thursday’s incident remains ongoing as federal authorities move forward with the case against Geier.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs
- U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- New Jersey State Government / Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill
