Texas Governor Orders Arrest of Absent Democratic Lawmakers Amid Redistricting Dispute

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the state's Department of Public Safety to apprehend Democratic legislators who did not attend a special redistricting session on Monday. In an effort to prevent the Republican-controlled legislature from forming a quorum while debating new congressional district boundaries, Democratic lawmakers have left the state. Abbott's directive follows a Republican motion in Austin that authorized civil arrest warrants for the absent lawmakers. Abbott urged authorities to locate, arrest, and return any lawmakers who have neglected their duties to the Texas constituents, stating that the order remains in effect until all missing Democratic representatives are accounted for and brought to the Capitol. This move aligns with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's earlier condemnation of the Democrats, labeling their departure as a "cowardly desertion" and accusing them of abandoning their responsibilities and their constituents. However, the legal authority to arrest legislators who have fled the state is questionable, as they are currently in other states. The action appears to be largely symbolic. Meanwhile, the Texas GOP is advancing a redistricting p...