Crowds on Demand CEO Rejects Minneapolis Protests Over Safety Concerns

The CEO of Crowds on Demand, Adam Swart, has distanced his company from the ongoing protests in Minneapolis, declaring them illegal and dangerous. His comments come in the wake of a fatal incident on January 7, 2026, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and a local woman, Renee Nicole Good. The unrest has sparked significant debate about the legality and safety of such demonstrations.

Protests Declared Illegal and Risky

Swart emphasized that his company would “not touch the Minneapolis protests with a 10-foot pole,” citing actions such as blocking roadways and obstructing federal agents as illegal. He warned that these tactics do not lead to the desired outcomes but instead escalate federal enforcement. “The impact of these protests will actually be to increase ICE operations, not decrease them,” he stated in an interview with Fox News Digital.

According to Swart, the mix of peaceful demonstrators and more aggressive agitators creates serious risks for everyone involved. He described many participants as “unhinged” and “unstable,” posing a threat to those who are peacefully protesting. “When you block the ability of federal agents to get in and out of a scene, you are putting them at risk from a violent mob,” he said.

Legal and Community Safety Concerns

Swart pointed out that the protests not only endanger law enforcement officers but also the general public. He highlighted how blocked roads can obstruct emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks, which could jeopardize lives. “Emergency services have nothing to do with politics, and you’re making it impossible for them to do their jobs,” he remarked.

The unrest was triggered by the confrontation between ICE agents and Good, who allegedly attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers during a federal operation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that an ICE agent fired in self-defense, resulting in Good’s death. This incident is currently under investigation.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the shooting as “preventable,” blaming the situation on increased interference with federal officers. She indicated that ICE agents had become stranded in the snow and were encircled by protesters while trying to carry out their duties.

Swart’s assessment of the protests suggests that confrontational tactics undermine the protesters’ objectives. “When protesters commit illegal activity, what’s lost is the substance of the message,” he explained. “People don’t hear what you’re protesting; they just see the blocked street.”

As Minneapolis grapples with the fallout from these events, Swart called for a return to lawful, peaceful methods of protest. He stated, “Our approach—peaceful, lawful, persuasive, respectful—is the most effective.” He also offered to help local leaders initiate campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order, but claimed that fear and intimidation have hindered those efforts.

In the wake of this unrest, Swart urged Minneapolis residents to reject lawlessness and work together to create a safer environment. “This can be your rock bottom,” he said. “You don’t need to fall further. But people have to find the courage to stand up for their city.” His vision emphasizes collaboration over confrontation, aiming to foster a more constructive dialogue around the pressing issues facing the community.