A New Jersey man was arrested after allegedly biting two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during a chaotic anti-ICE protest outside a detention center in Newark, authorities said. Brendan John Geier, 26, of Madison, New Jersey, was taken into custody on Thursday and charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury, according to the Department of Justice.
The incident occurred outside Delaney Hall, where protesters have gathered for more than a week. Federal officials have reported repeated confrontations during demonstrations, including assaults on agents and blockages of detention center access points.
Details of the Assault
According to the DOJ, the assault happened around 10:30 a.m. Thursday while federal officers were performing perimeter security operations at Delaney Hall. A large group of demonstrators had blocked a roadway leading to the detention center. ICE officers formed a line to advance toward the crowd after repeated commands to move back were ignored. Geier allegedly engaged in a struggle, kicking officers and biting one officer’s forearm and another’s knuckle. Both injured officers were treated at a local hospital.
Official Statements
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the attack, stating:
“Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers. Federal officers are protecting United States’ property and facilities. With virtually no local law enforcement support from New Jersey, rioters are regrouping and attacking.”
Blanche also warned that additional arrests could follow as investigations continue, emphasizing:
“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.”
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin echoed the stance, noting:
“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. Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Wider Context of the Protest
The protests outside Delaney Hall have continued for several days, and federal officials have repeatedly deployed pepper spray and crowd-control measures to manage confrontations. The DOJ reported that nine people were arrested during Thursday’s clashes.
The announcement of Geier’s arrest came just hours after a separate man was arrested for allegedly making death threats against an ICE officer and the officer’s family, underscoring the volatility of the demonstrations.
Summary Table of Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Anti-ICE protest in Newark, New Jersey |
| Date/Time | Thursday, around 10:30 a.m. |
| Suspect | Brendan John Geier, 26, Madison, NJ |
| Charges | Assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury |
| Victims | Two ICE officers bitten (forearm and knuckle) |
| Arrests | Nine people arrested during Thursday’s clashes |
| Agencies Involved | Department of Justice, DHS, ICE |
| Law Enforcement Actions | Pepper spray and crowd-control measures deployed |
| Additional Arrests | Separate man arrested for death threats against ICE officer and family |
The arrest of Brendan John Geier highlights the ongoing dangers faced by federal law enforcement during protests outside detention facilities. Authorities have stressed that violent attacks against officers will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will face prosecution.
With multiple arrests already made and additional investigations ongoing, federal agencies continue to prioritize the safety of officers and the public while managing escalating tensions outside Delaney Hall.
