"A lot of the people protesting on the streets are actually violent," he said. "They are unhinged, unstable people who pose a risk to peaceful protesters. That’s why we’re staying out."
Swart rejected claims that blocking roads or confronting officers amounts to "nonviolent resistance," calling those actions inherently dangerous, particularly during active law enforcement operations.
"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. "That ability to enter and exit safely is fundamental to law enforcement."
He added that winter conditions only compound the danger.
"The roads are icy and snowy," Swart said. "You’re creating barriers that put vehicles at risk, and you’re also putting yourself and other protesters at risk."
Beyond law enforcement concerns, Swart warned that road blockages endanger the broader community.
"Who else can’t get through when roads are blocked? Ambulances. Fire trucks," he said. "Emergency services have nothing to do with politics, and you’re making it impossible for them to do their jobs."
Swart said such tactics undermine protesters’ stated goals and strip their message of credibility.
"When protesters commit illegal activity, what’s lost is the substance of the message," he said. "People don’t hear what you’re protesting. They just see the blocked street."
The agitators took to the streets after a fatal encounter between ICE agents and 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during a federal enforcement operation in south Minneapolis, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
DHS said agents were attempting to make arrests when Good allegedly attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers, prompting a federal agent to fire in self-defense, killing Good. The incident remains under investigation.
Swart warned the street unrest is actively counterproductive.
"If protesters think this will deter ICE, they’re wrong," he said. "What’s far more likely is that ICE will increase its presence to deal with agitators. The administration will want to show it won’t be intimidated."
He added that he has long offered Minneapolis leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to run lawful campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order but said fear and intimidation have stalled those efforts.
Swart blamed that climate for the city’s continued decline, pointing to reduced police presence, shuttered businesses and the recent loss of Minneapolis’ only commuter rail line.
"There’s no one in Minneapolis who believes the city is well run," he said. "It’s failing by any objective standard."
Swart said the city can still recover, but only if residents reject intimidation and lawlessness.
"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.
"I want to engage in making Minneapolis a better place," Swart added, "not adding to the chaos currently unfolding."