In yet another episode of “Judges Know Best!”, a federal court in Colorado has decided that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents basically need a crystal ball—and a notarized permission slip—before detaining illegal immigrants.

U.S. District Senior Judge R. Brooke Jackson handed down the ruling after the ACLU dragged ICE into court on behalf of four individuals—yes, including self-described asylum seekers—who were arrested earlier this year during President Donald Trump’s get-tough push to actually enforce the nation’s immigration laws. Their accusation? That ICE was arresting Latinos “indiscriminately” to meet enforcement goals. Because of course the ACLU sees racism everywhere, even in standard law enforcement.

The judge concluded that all four plaintiffs had “long-standing ties to their communities” and insisted that “no reasonable agent could have believed they were likely to flee.” Apparently, community ties now override federal law when convenient.

For the record, the law already requires ICE to have probable cause that someone is in the country illegally and is likely to flee before making a warrantless arrest. Agents must also document their reasons—something the Department of Homeland Security says it already does. But why let facts interfere with judicial activism?

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin didn’t mince words, calling Jackson’s order an “activist ruling.” She also fired back at the lawsuit’s racial-profiling smear: “Allegations that DHS law enforcement engages in ‘racial profiling’ are disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE.”

This isn’t the first time the ACLU has tried to kneecap immigration agents. A similar case out of California earlier this year resulted in another judge lecturing ICE about “indiscriminate stops” and banning arrests based on factors like race, language, or location. The Supreme Court eventually stepped in and lifted that restraining order in September—apparently remembering that immigration laws are supposed to be enforced.

McLaughlin reminded everyone of that victory, saying, “The Supreme Court recently vindicated us on this question elsewhere, and we look forward to further vindication in this case as well,” signaling the administration is ready to appeal Jackson’s ruling too.

In short: ICE tries to enforce immigration law, activists sue, judges scold agents, the Supreme Court rolls its eyes, and the cycle begins again. Welcome to immigration policy in 2025.