Recent violent confrontations aimed at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Minnesota appear to be driven not by organized protests but rather by external actors capitalizing on the unrest. Insiders involved in the protests are warning that conditions in the area are worsening.
Adam Swart, CEO of Clouds on Demand, mentioned that many of the individuals instigating violence are backed by “shadow interests” that thrive on discord and turmoil, asserting that the concerns of law enforcement regarding potential escalations are valid.
“I think that a lot of the more aggressive and illegal participants targeted at ICE aren’t really the product of organized demonstrators but rather these hidden entities that benefit from chaos,” Swart stated.
This warning comes during a wave of unrest sparked by ICE enforcement actions in and around the Twin Cities, which have included blockades of government vehicles, personal threats to employees, and data leaks affecting ICE agents and their families—often leading to protests.
Swart had previously expressed his company’s reluctance to engage in the Minneapolis protests, labeling the situation as an “illegal disorder.” He emphasized that they would stay far away from these events, citing the dangerous and unlawful strategies employed on the streets.
“Disrupting traffic, obstructing federal officers, and threatening those in authority are illegal activities, and we will not partake in any illegal protests,” he remarked in an earlier conversation. Swart warned that such chaos might lead to more aggressive enforcement rather than positive change.
He noted a troubling cycle of escalated conflict between protesters and federal officials that feeds into itself. “When anti-ICE activists personally threaten our officers and endanger their families, it only escalates tensions. This, in turn, causes our officers to respond more forcefully, leading to a vicious cycle,” Swart explained.
He also urged President Trump to adopt an immediate “ceasefire stance” in Minnesota—not as a withdrawal from immigration enforcement but as a strategic reset to reduce tensions and shield everyone involved, including staff, demonstrators, and bystanders, from potential harm.
Alongside this, he proposed several policy changes aimed at reducing flashpoints. These include prioritizing the removal of criminally undocumented immigrants, permitting non-criminal undocumented immigrants to report crimes without the fear of deportation, clarifying the policies around sanctuary cities, requiring ICE officers to wear clearly identified uniforms, and limiting ICE’s role in managing crowds.
Despite criticizing demonstrators for their interference with federal duties, Swart acknowledged that there have been occasions where ICE has employed excessive force, warning that ongoing escalation could turn Minnesota into a persistent flashpoint.
These remarks come amidst a shift in the response from the Trump administration, with the White House confirming that Border Patrol Agent Tom Homan has been dispatched to oversee enforcement in the state and assess the situation further.
