FBI will help locate Texas Democrats who fled state over redistricting

FBI Director Kash Patel has approved his request for the bureau to assist in locating Texas Democrats who fled the state to block a GOP-backed mid-decade redistricting plan, though no agents have yet been deployed, according to Senator John Cornyn on 7 August.

This sharp move signals escalating tensions in an already volatile political showdown.

More than 50 Texas Democrats left for states such as Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts to deny the legislature a quorum required to pass a plan that could deliver up to five additional GOP seats in Congress. 

Cornyn claimed these actions may constitute bribery or public corruption, citing funds received to support their absence, but experts say without criminal charges, there's no legal basis for FBI involvement.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the request “grandstanding,” noting that federal agents have no authority to arrest lawmakers in his state.

No FBI activity has been reported where the Texas lawmakers are staying.

Meanwhile, Texas GOP leaders have issued civil arrest warrants, imposed hefty daily fines, and even filed to remove Democratic lawmakers from office, even though such warrants are non-enforceable outside Texas.

Governors and AGs’ attempts to punish the walkout raise serious concerns about weaponising legal tools for political gain.

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