FBI Director Kash Patel Tapped to Help Arrest Runaway Texas Democrats

FBI Director Kash Patel has officially been asked to assist Texas law enforcement in locating and arresting Democrat members of the Texas House who fled the state to block a constitutionally mandated redistricting vote during a special legislative session, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The lawmakers in question fled the state on August 3, 2025, to break quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, effectively preventing any legislative action. Some members reportedly traveled to Illinois while others flew to New York.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Republican-led legislature responded by issuing arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers. Now, with the special session nearing its end, federal law enforcement may be brought in to assist.

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In a formal letter to Director Patel on Monday, Senator John Cornyn urged the FBI to support Texas law enforcement by helping track and apprehend the legislators who left their duties and crossed state lines.

I have asked @FBIDirectorKash to work with @GregAbbott_TX & Texas law enforcement to investigate potential CRIMINAL acts, including bribery, and to hold legislators accountable who have fled the state in a shameful attempt to stall the legislative process in the Texas House.…

— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) August 5, 2025

“I have asked FBI Director Kash to work with Greg Abbott & Texas law enforcement to investigate potential criminal acts, including bribery, and to hold legislators accountable who have fled the state in a shameful attempt to stall the legislative process in the Texas House,” Cornyn wrote.

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Cornyn’s letter emphasized that legislators who abandon their post to obstruct the legislative process may have violated the law. He cited concerns about potential bribery or public corruption, particularly if the lawmakers accepted funding to facilitate their travel or conceal their whereabouts.

“Out-of-state actors have made public comments about protecting the Texas legislators who are currently hiding out of state from any accountability,” Cornyn added.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has been working to locate and detain the legislators, but Cornyn noted that additional federal resources could be necessary, especially since the individuals have crossed state lines.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also issued a strong statement Monday, criticizing the Democrat lawmakers for leaving the state during an ongoing crisis. He emphasized the need for accountability and enforcement of the law.

“Instead of showing up to work and doing the jobs they were elected to do, House Democrat members have fled the state in a cowardly desertion of their responsibilities,” Paxton said.

“I am prepared to do everything in my power to hold them accountable because these liberal lawmakers are not above the law.”

Governor Abbott’s office has underscored the urgency, pointing to important issues such as the recent Kerrville floods that require immediate legislative attention. Abbott stated that the special session is active and demands the presence of all elected members.

There has been no official response yet from the fugitive lawmakers. The investigation and coordination between state and federal agencies remain ongoing.

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