A Morris County man, Brendan John Geier, 26, of Madison, was arrested on May 28, 2026, and charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury during a demonstration near the ICE Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey. Geier allegedly kicked one U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) Deportation Officer and bit two others after ignoring commands to clear a blocked road.
According to documents filed in the case, ICE officers were conducting security and crowd-control operations on May 28 when a large group of demonstrators, including Geier, blocked a road leading to and from the facility around 10:30 p.m. When officers attempted to clear the road and issued commands to “move back,” Geier and others reportedly refused. As one officer moved towards Geier, he lost his balance and then kicked the officer in the leg.
Other officers intervened, and as they lifted Geier, he bit the forearm of a second officer and the knuckle of a third. He also kicked the first officer in the forearm. All three officers received medical attention on site, with two requiring hospital treatment in Newark for their injuries.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer emphasized the seriousness of the charges, saying, “As alleged, this defendant responded to lawful orders from federal officers by kicking one and biting two others who were performing their official duties. Assaulting law enforcement officers is unacceptable. Period.” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche added, “Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers.”
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” This incident is part of a broader pattern, with 21 individuals arrested for assaulting federal officers at Delaney Hall between May 26-29. Geier appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais and was released with location monitoring, a curfew, and prohibited from returning to Delaney Hall. The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.