Texas Republicans have voted to authorize the arrest of over 50 Democratic lawmakers who left the state to prevent a vote on a new redistricting plan.
The Democrats left to break quorum in the state legislature, halting progress on a Republican-led proposal that would redraw congressional districts to favor their party.
The walkout left the House without the required two-thirds of members present to move forward.
In response, Governor Greg Abbott directed state troopers to find and bring the absent lawmakers back to the Capitol in Austin.
Arrest warrants have been issued, though they are valid only within Texas.
Those arrested would not face criminal charges but would be forced to return to the chamber.
The proposed map would increase the number of Republican-leaning congressional seats from 25 to 30 out of 38.
All of the newly drawn districts are in areas won by former President Donald Trump by a wide margin in the last election.
Democrats traveled to Illinois, where officials have offered support.
They say they intend to remain out of state until the special session ends in two weeks. While absent, each legislator is fined $500 daily for not attending.
Governor Abbott has warned that if any lawmakers solicited or accepted public donations to cover those fines, they could face bribery charges.
He claims that some Democrats may have discussed or accepted money in exchange for avoiding the vote, a move he says could be considered illegal.
Texas Republicans argue the new map is fair and reject claims that it unfairly affects voters based on race.
Democrats claim the redistricting process is intended to reduce their representation and influence ahead of the next elections.
The effort in Texas mirrors similar political strategies across the country, where both parties have used redistricting to gain advantage.
Some Democratic-led states rely on independent commissions, while others have taken similar partisan steps in redrawing maps.