Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that state and federal law enforcement agencies—including the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation—are actively working to locate what he described as “derelict” Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to avoid participating in a critical legislative vote.
According to Abbott, once apprehended, these lawmakers will be escorted directly back to the Texas Capitol to fulfill their constitutional duty. He emphasized that any members found to have accepted perks, benefits, or compensation while deliberately avoiding their legislative responsibilities could face severe consequences, including removal from office and possible criminal charges for bribery.
“In Texas,” Abbott declared firmly, “there are consequences for your actions. If you abandon your post, evade the democratic process, and try to obstruct the will of the people, you will be held accountable.”
The governor’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the state, as Republican leaders seek to force a vote on contentious legislation while Democrats accuse them of pushing through policies without fair debate. With law enforcement now involved, the standoff has escalated into a test of both political will and legal authority in the Lone Star State.