On Thursday, the FBI agreed to assist in locating Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a vote on redistricting, according to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). Over 50 Democrats left Texas, many heading to Chicago, to prevent the Texas House from reaching a quorum and halting legislative proceedings during a special session. Their departure was also intended to avoid possible arrest by state authorities.

Cornyn said he had requested FBI Director Kash Patel’s help in detaining the absent lawmakers. He expressed gratitude to both Patel and President Trump for acting swiftly, claiming the Democrats were avoiding their constitutional responsibilities. When asked about the situation, Trump supported the move, saying, “You can’t just sit it out. You have to go back.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton disagreed with Cornyn’s approach, arguing that the matter was purely a state issue and that the FBI had no jurisdiction. However, Cornyn pushed back, suggesting the FBI could be involved if lawmakers crossed state lines to avoid their duties or if there was evidence of bribery or public corruption.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows signed civil arrest warrants for the missing legislators, while Governor Greg Abbott ordered their return to Austin. Abbott also instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety to detain returning members and tasked the Texas Rangers with investigating any potential bribery. By Tuesday, only eight Democrats had returned to the Capitol.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the idea of federal involvement, asserting that no federal laws had been broken. He warned that FBI agents would be “unwelcome” in Illinois and stressed that local and state law enforcement would protect individuals residing in the state, including the Texas Democrats.