Federal prosecutors say the Morris County resident kicked and bit deportation officers during a protest near the Newark detention center. The charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

NEWARK, NJ – A Madison man has been charged in federal court after prosecutors said he assaulted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officers during a protest near the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Brendan John Geier, 26, was arrested on May 28, 2026, and charged by complaint with assaulting federal officers causing bodily injury.

According to federal prosecutors, the alleged assault occurred during a demonstration near Delaney Hall, where law enforcement officers were clearing people from a road. Prosecutors said officers gave several commands to move back and alleged that Geier then resisted and assaulted two officers, including by kicking and biting them.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Geier appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was released with conditions, including location monitoring, a curfew and an order barring him from Delaney Hall.

The charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to federal prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the charge and allegations in the complaint are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case comes as Delaney Hall faces separate scrutiny from New Jersey officials, who filed a lawsuit seeking full Department of Health access to inspect the facility after state officials said GEO Group blocked inspectors from entering key areas.