Federal Charges Against Anti-ICE Protester After Violent Clashes in New Jersey
A New Jersey man faces federal charges after allegedly assaulting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. The incident involved Brendan John Geier, 26, from Madison, reportedly participating in a protest when he attacked ICE officers. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) states that Geier bit and kicked two officers during the altercation.
The DOJ detailed that ICE officers asked the protesters to disperse, but they refused, leading to a physical confrontation. The assaulted officers had to receive medical attention for their injuries, and Geier was charged with assaulting federal officers, appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais shortly after the incident.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the events, emphasizing zero tolerance for violence against federal officers. He highlighted the serious nature of the attacks by showing photos of the injuries sustained by the ICE agents.
“We will not tolerate these violent actions as they are clear criminal conduct,” Blanche wrote on social media.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed similar sentiments, stating the administration’s dedication to law enforcement and promising full legal action against those who attack officers.
The altercations outside Delaney Hall were not isolated incidents. Demonstrations have persisted for days, escalating tensions between law enforcement and protesters. Federal immigration officers are reportedly receiving little support from New Jersey’s local law enforcement during these protests.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey underscored the responsibility of federal officers to perform their duties without violence or hindrance. He reiterated the importance of prosecuting those who interfere with law enforcement.
“Assaulting law enforcement officers is unacceptable,” Frazer declared.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, through Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, stressed that such assaults are criminal acts unrelated to peaceful protests. The agency remains dedicated to holding offenders accountable.
Protest activities outside Delaney Hall are ongoing, with support and opposition continuing to gather in the area. Republican State Police have been called in for maintaining public safety amidst divided groups of pro-ICE supporters and anti-ICE demonstrators.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared state police would oversee security outside the detention center. Her actions came after accusations of inadequate cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, leaving federal officers to face protesters largely unsupported.