The FBI has agreed to assist in locating Texas House Democrats who left the state to block the passage of new congressional maps favored by the GOP. U.S. Senator John Cornyn, facing a challenging primary, requested the FBI's involvement. The Democrats, who have traveled to Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts, aim to prevent a quorum in the Texas Legislature.
Cornyn's request to FBI Director Kash Patel included allegations of bribery, as the Democrats reportedly received funds from former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke’s political organization, Powered by People, to cover their trip expenses. Cornyn expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and Director Patel for their support, stating, "I thank President Trump and Director Patel for supporting and swiftly acting on my call for the federal government to hold these supposed lawmakers accountable for fleeing Texas."
The TTExas House has issued arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers, but Texas state police lack jurisdiction outside the state. The FBI's involvement introduces the possibility of federal agents apprehending the Democrats. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has declared the FBI "unwelcome" in any operation to apprehend the lawmakers, pledging to protect them.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the move, accusing the Trump administration of using law enforcement to target political opponents. The situation remains tense as the Democrats continue to stay outside Texas to block legislative proceedings.