Anti-ICE rioter charged after biting officers, causing ‘horrific wounds’ during Delaney Hall protest

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY: An anti-ICE rioter has been charged after allegedly biting federal law enforcement officers and leaving them with “horrific wounds” during a protest at Delaney Hall.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges against 26-year-old Brendan John Geier, stating that “peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers.”

DOJ charges anti-ICE rioter after assault

Geier, a resident of Madison, New Jersey, appeared before Magistrate Judge Cari Fais to face federal charges. Following the arrest, Blanche posted an update on social media alongside pictures showing the bloodied and bruised officers.

“Federal officers are protecting United States’ property and facilities,” Blanche said.

“With virtually no local law enforcement support from New Jersey, rioters are regrouping and attacking. 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,” he added.

Roadblock leads to alleged officer assault

The physical confrontation took place on May 21 at around 10:30 pm amid a major gathering focused on the treatment of individuals held within the detention center.

While protesters raised concerns over conditions inside the facility, the Department of Homeland Security strongly maintained that these accusations are completely untrue.

According to federal prosecutors, a large crowd of protesters was obstructing the road that leads directly to Delaney Hall.

In response, immigration officials lined up and instructed everyone to retreat, but the crowd refused to vacate the street.

The DOJ alleges that Geier then fought with the retreating officers.

During the incident, Geier allegedly kicked the officers and bit one on the forearm and another on the knuckle, forcing both to seek immediate emergency medical care.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin later commented on the situation via social media, labeling Geier a "violent agitator" and adding, “The Trump Administration will ALWAYS stand with our federal law enforcement officers. Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Protests continue outside Delaney Hall facility

Tensions between law enforcement and protesters continued near Delaney Hall even after New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill designated a “peaceful” area intended to keep the demonstrations orderly.

Despite this, the crowd remained aggressive toward personnel guarding the facility. During the demonstration, some individuals in the crowd began shouting, “Kill yourself, quit your job, quit your job,” at the officers.

As the confrontation became more dangerous and the crowd refused to leave, authorities altered their approach to bring the situation under control. Video recordings from the scene showed law enforcement deploying tear gas and pepper spray to force the unruly gathering to break up.