Updated Aug 5, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump: FBI "may have to" help bring back Texas Democrats

April Rubin

President Trump, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and red tie speaks into a microphone against a backdrop featuring Olympic rings and the words "LOS ANGELES". — President Trump speaks to reporters after signing an executive order during a ceremony in the South Court Auditorium in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on August 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Sen. John Cornyn urged the FBI Tuesday to help "locate or arrest" the Texas Democrats who fled the state over a redistricting vote.

Why it matters: The request escalates the standoff as Texas Republicans try to compel Democrats back to the Capitol to advance their plan to draw an election map more favorable to the GOP.

Driving the news: "The FBI has tools to aid state law enforcement when parties cross state lines, including to avoid testifying or fleeing a scene of a crime," Cornyn wrote in a letter to FBI director Kash Patel asking the Bureau to help state law enforcement.

"This is a time-sensitive matter."

What they're saying: When asked for comment on whether the FBI should get help local law enforcement locate and arrest the Texas Democrats, President Trump said Tuesday evening: "They may have to."

He added, "I know they want them back, not only the attorney general ... the governor of Texas is demanding they come back. So, a lot of people are demanding they come back."
The FBI declined to comment.

State of play: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said Tuesday he would pursue a court ruling to declare the Democrats' seats vacant starting on Friday.

"The people of Texas elected lawmakers, not jet-setting runaways looking for headlines. If you don't show up to work, you get fired," Paxton said in a statement.

Catch up quick: Several Texas Democrats fled the state to delay votes on a mid-decade redistricting map that would give Republicans five more congressional seats, something Trump has demanded.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Monday ordered state police to find and arrest Democratic lawmakers after the state House issued civil arrest warrants.

The Democrats are in Illinois, Massachusetts and New York.

Zoom in: "These legislators have committed potential criminal acts in their rush to avoid their constitutional responsibilities and must be fully investigated and held accountable," Cornyn wrote in his letter.

"I urge you to work with Texas public officials to provide them the support they need."

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Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from President Trump and more context.

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Trump: FBI "may have to" help bring back Texas Democrats

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