President Trump’s Justice Department has charged a Newark man with assaulting federal immigration officers after he bit two agents during a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall Detention Facility on May 28. According to court documents, the incident occurred when demonstrators blocked the road leading to the facility, and one individual, Brendan John Geier, 26, of Madison, kicked and bit ICE officers while they attempted to clear the area. Both victims were treated at a local hospital.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the FBI arrested another suspect for threats against ICE officers and their families, emphasizing that “peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey noted Geier was among 21 individuals arrested over four days for similar offenses at Delaney Hall.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reinforced the administration’s stance, declaring, “Our officers are facing an 8,000% increase in death threats as they put their lives on the line.” U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer added that rioters who ignored lawful commands and targeted federal officers would face consequences, stating: “Instead of peacefully protesting, rioters blocked ICE officers conducting their lawful duties and threatened violence.”
Geier was released with location monitoring, a curfew, and a ban from returning to Delaney Hall. The charge of assault resulting in bodily injury carries a potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
