Summary
A federal judge criticized a Trump administration Justice Department lawyer who claimed they didn’t have to follow the judge’s oral order blocking deportations to El Salvador because it wasn’t in writing.
Judge Boasberg questioned why the administration ignored his directive to return immigrants to the US. The DOJ lawyer repeatedly refused to provide information about the deportations, citing “national security concerns.”
Frustrated, Boasberg ordered sworn declarations explaining what happened, quipping that he would issue a written order “since apparently my verbal orders don’t seem to carry much weight.”
I don’t think he can. Courts have the power to hold people until they comply with a court order.
Technically so does congress although it’s never done.
US Marshalls, however, are a real thing and work for the judiciary.
Edit: ugh, they are responsible for carrying out what the judiciary needs, but it’s still part of the executive (DoJ).
I was holding hope for the US Marshalls taking action without the AG calling on them based on what they represent, but they have been helping the Trump with his illegal takeovers of DOGE even assisting with breaking and entering… So it’s probably unlikely they will do anything to assist with reigning in the president.
See elsewhere in the comments on this post. The judge can effectively deputize someone other than a Marshall if necessary.