NJ Man Arrested for Assaulting ICE Officers at Newark Detention

A 26-year-old man from Madison, New Jersey, was arrested and charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury. Brendan John Geier appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais after the incident, which took place on May 28 near the ICE Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark.

What happened at Delaney Hall

According to court documents, ICE deportation officers were working crowd-control and perimeter security during a demonstration near the facility. Around 10:30 p.m., a large group of demonstrators was blocking a road leading to and from the facility. Officers formed a line and gave repeated commands to the crowd to move back. Geier allegedly ignored those commands, kicked officers, and bit one officer's forearm and another's knuckle. Both officers received treatment at a local hospital.

Federal officials say this was not an isolated incident. ICE's acting Field Office Director for Newark stated that 21 people were arrested for assaulting federal officers at Delaney Hall between May 26 and May 29. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said that local law enforcement provided little support, and that federal authorities would continue making arrests. The charge Geier faces carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

It is important to understand the difference between protected protest and criminal conduct. Federal officials stressed that peaceful demonstration is a legal right — but physically attacking law enforcement officers is a crime, regardless of the reason someone is at a protest. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, with assistance from ICE and the FBI.

What to do if you plan to protest near an ICE facility

• Know your right to protest: You have the right to demonstrate peacefully in public spaces. However, blocking roads or ignoring lawful police orders can lead to arrest, even if you are not violent.
• Do not physically resist officers: Even if you disagree with what officers are doing, physically fighting, kicking, or biting them is a federal crime that can result in serious prison time.
• If you are arrested at a protest, stay calm and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not answer questions without legal representation present.
• If you are an immigrant and you are arrested — even at a protest — contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. An arrest can affect your green card application, visa status, work permit (EAD), or removal proceedings.