Protests outside the GEO Group-operated facility,
which holds around 900 immigrants, started peacefully but escalated into
clashes with federal agents using pepper spray and batons after demonstrators
blockaded vehicles with trash cans and concrete.
Injuries occurred on both sides, including
Brendan John Geier charged with assaulting officers by kicking and biting them,
while death threats targeted agents and independent journalist Cam Higby had
his iPhone smashed by protesters.
Governor Mikie Sherrill deployed state police
Friday to secure peace zones and prevent further violence, as DHS calls agents
heroic amid denied claims of inhumane conditions like spoiled meals.