On May 28, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation officers were clearing a road outside the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark when a demonstrator kicked two federal agents and then bit them, sending both to a Newark hospital.

Brendan John Geier, 26, of Madison, was arrested on May 28 and charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais and was released with location monitoring, a curfew, and a prohibition from returning to Delaney Hall.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated: “Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers. Federal officers are protecting United States’ property and facilities.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey reported that Geier is one of 21 individuals arrested from May 26–29 for assaulting ICE officers at Delaney Hall. ERO Newark acting Field Office Director Arthur J. Wilson Jr. added: “Instead of peacefully protesting, rioters blocked ICE officers conducting their lawful duties, ignored repeated lawful commands and threatened violence. Our brave ICE officers risked their lives to protect everyone present inside and out of Delaney Hall.”

The charge for assault resulting in bodily injury carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.