Texas Govenor orders the arrest of Democrats who fled the state

Texas House Republicans authorized the sergeant-at-arms and her deputies to locate and, if necessary, civilly arrest absent Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block GOP-led redistricting legislation.

“The sergeant-at-arms and any officers appointed by her are directed to send for all absentees whose attendance is not excused for the purposes of securing and maintaining their attendance under warrant of arrest, if necessary, until further order of the House,” said Rep. Dustin Burrows, a Republican and the current speaker of the Texas House.

Following the vote, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he had directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to pursue and detain the absent Democrats until they are “accounted for and brought back” to Austin.

However, the arrest warrants carry no legal authority outside of Texas, and it remains unclear whether and how state authorities might coordinate with law enforcement in other states.

The standoff arises from a contentious Republican initiative, backed by former President Donald Trump, to redraw congressional districts—a plan that could secure up to five additional GOP seats and potentially help the party maintain control of the U.S. House in the 2026 elections.

Abbott had given the Democrats until 3 p.m. Monday to return to the Capitol or face consequences, including possible job loss. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said those who fled should be forcibly returned, though he acknowledged such enforcement would be a “challenge.”

In response, the Texas House Democratic Caucus issued a defiant message: “Come and take it.”

Meanwhile, the absent lawmakers continued public events Monday in Democrat-led states, holding press conferences and rallies.

The House was scheduled to begin considering the redistricting bill Monday, but without a quorum, the vote could not proceed.