Senator John Cornyn announced that the FBI has agreed to assist in locating Texas House Democratic lawmakers who left the state in protest of a Republican-led redistricting vote.
Cornyn described the lawmakers as “rogue legislators” and requested federal help because Texas law enforcement does not have jurisdiction beyond state lines.
The Democratic lawmakers’ absence has prevented the Texas House from achieving a quorum, effectively stalling passage of the redistricting plan. The proposed map would create additional congressional seats favoring Republicans and is backed by Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump.
Governor Abbott previously issued arrest warrants and threatened legal consequences, including felony charges and removal from office, for legislators who fail to return. The Texas House Speaker also issued civil arrest warrants, though they are enforceable only within the state.
While out of state, the Democratic lawmakers were temporarily evacuated from a hotel in Illinois due to a bomb threat. No explosives were found, but the incident highlighted rising tensions surrounding the standoff.
