Civil warrants issued for Texas Dems who fled state

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday afternoon said he had ordered state police to find and arrest Democratic lawmakers after the state House issued civil arrest warrants — though state law enforcement is restricted to making arrests in Texas. Why it matters: It's the latest attempt by Abbott to compel Democrats back to the Capitol, escalating a standoff that began when over 50 Democrats fled the state to delay votes on a redistricting map that will give Republicans five more congressional seats.The latest: "By fleeing the state, Texas House Democrats are holding hostage critical legislation to aid flood victims and advance property tax relief. There are consequences for dereliction of duty," Abbott said in a news release. Abbott added that he ordered the state Department of Public Safety to find, arrest and return "any member who has abandoned their duty to Texans."This order will remain in effect until all missing Democrat House members are accounted for and brought to the Texas Capitol."Yes, but: DPS officers are state law enforcement agents, meaning their authority ends at the Texas state border.If lawmakers are found within Texas, DPS can detain them and escort them to the Capitol.Catch up quick: Democrats left the state Sunday to try to stall a vote on a President Trump-led proposal to redraw the districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections that could net Republicans up to five seats. The Democrats face a $500 fine for every day they break quorum.The other side: Democrats say the redistricting map is "illegal voter suppression of Black and Latino Central Texans" and a "threat to American democracy."Lawmakers who left the state appear unfazed by the governor's threats earlier to remove them from office. "He's trying to get sound bites and he has no legal mechanism," Houston Rep. Jolanda Jones said in a press conference in New York on Monday.Editor's note: This is a developing story and has been updated with more context.

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