FBI to 'assist' Texas in locating 'runaway Democrats': senator

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) announced that FBI Director Kash Patel had granted his request for the FBI to assist Texas officials in holding Texas Democrats accountable after they left the state to prevent redistricting.

“I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said in a statement on Thursday. “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. We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities.”

On Tuesday, Cornyn requested the FBI's assistance in locating Democrats who are facing civil warrants for leaving Texas, in order to prevent the legislature from obtaining a quorum.

“Governor Abbott and Texas state law enforcement officers are doing what they can within the confines of the law, but federal help may be necessary," Cornyn wrote at the time. "These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable. I urge you to work with Texas public officials to provide them the support they need.”

Trump has also said that the FBI "may have to" get involved to return Democratic lawmakers to the state.