Before you see a hundred or so posts saying that Texas has issued arrest warrants for the absent Dem legislators, you should be aware that they are civil warrants issued by the House that are not effective outside the state www.texastribune.org/2025/08/04/t...
Good to know!
No jurisdiction. And no law has been broken. Good luck with the pointless proclamation, tyrants.
Thanks!
I doubt IL, NY, & MA would honor them anyway.
👏👏💯💯💯
Funny how Republicans had no problem with it when they fled the State of Oregon www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...
What happens when they come back to Texas though?
To clarify since some people are asking the same questions—yes, these are technically arrest warrants because if they're in the state they can be detained and dragged to the capitol. They are not *criminal* arrest warrants, which is what most people think when they a warrant for arrest was issued
Am I correct in thinking that they expire at the end of the session or special session they’re issued in? Haven’t really thought about this since, what, 2003?
A criminal warrant could be enforced in another state through the extradition clause. A civil warrant cannot. So this doesn't really change anything, and the same thing was done when Dems broke the quorum in 2003.
Thank you for the terrific explanation!
This is true. And having grown up in TX, this is at least the second time this has happened in the last 20 years. Some were detained and brought to the capitol.
The interstate extradition clause of the Constitution requires charges of "Treason, Felony, or other Crime." This is not that. Honestly I hope some Texas Ranger goes to Chicago to try to execute some kind of civil arrest. They're going to end up locked in the Bean.
So is this Greg Abbott lying about the warrants for self-aggrandizement, or admitting that the House majority does whatever he orders?
Yes. Liar.
"Civil Arrest" is a thing so it's very much a "technically true" thing.
It's more of a "Governor orders" the arrests thing—it was by a vote of the House, with warrants signed by the Speaker. Governor doesn't order it, AFAICT.
Also, the vote of the House didn't have a quorum, so yeah ...
Texas law allows a legislative house to have members arrested to meet a quorum. So the lack of a quorum doesn’t prevent that.
Is it clear that the statute authorizing such civil arrest warrants is Constitutional under the Texas Constitution? What body is designated to enforce the warrants. Sincere questions. Looking for the statute.
The Texas & US Constitutions use the exact same language allowing each House to “compel the attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such penalties as each House may provide.”
Thank you. I appreciate the detailed response. I assume the manner provided for in Texas is set forth in the House rules and any penalizing statutes.
Here’s the Texas House rule allowing arrest of absent members when there’s no quorum
Theatre for dunces.
I'm kind of looking at that "they will face no civil or criminal charges" bit.
Damn straight! Chicago doesn’t play!
the bean needs more nourishment, let it be so.
Dude. Texas rangers definitely have NEVER found the bean. 👀
🤣🤣🤣
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We all know how respectful Republicans are of anything coming out of a legislative body, right? Go Dems!
They did issue warrants.
LOL
So the Texas version of Dr Strange Love is essentially impotent then?
What happens when they return to Texas? Serious question.
Great collegiate behavior.
What matters is that they were ISSUED.
Texas wants to arrest Democrats who leave the state, women who leave the state for medical treatment, so I’m glad I got out ASAP without them noticing.
Inunderstand wanting and needing to flee but a part of me wishes we could organize strategic crowdfunded moves *to* Texas and just ruin it for them. A few percent of the people in deep blue districts just move a leeeeetle bit. Sprinkle in a half a percent from LA or NY or Chicago here or there.
I'm beginning to wonder about the real purpose of that wall on our border
Me too. Virginia is a common sense purple state.
I live here. It’s purple but fell for Youngkin’s CRT BS.
if virginia had some common sense it wouldn't be purple, but the same can be said for the rest of this country
That’s why we have a ban on the precisely zero transgender athletes in Virginia. Common sense.
Not claiming VA is perfect, just that it isn't Texas or its ilk.
Purple states are half occupied by fascists.
Given they live in Texas and presumably would like to return there, this fun fact doesn’t actually seem important
Thanks for clarifying.
And fund raising texts. Don’t forget the fund raising texts.
Still not great though. Is quorum there though I wonder?
They then become arrestable only in Texas. How long can this go on? Who has the power to quash these warrants?
So they didn't have a quorum to redistrict but they did have a quorum to issue arrest warrants for the reps that weren't there...am I getting that right?
Quorums not needed for all actions.
In a manner of speaking, yes. It only makes sense to function this way, otherwise the legislature could only compel attendance when there was already a quorum, making it moot, & never compel attendance without a quorum, giving absentees complete control over the agenda. bsky.app/profile/greg...
yes. Texas allow specifically allows the a legislative house without a quorum to vote to have the absent members arrested
That they’re even issues is fucking laughable. The Dems are doing what is within their power to prevent an all out assault on the democratic process. The Republicans are pussies - cheaters, thieves, bullies….not a decent one among them. They best be prepared for a full scale fight. Two can play.
How can they issue warrants when they don’t have a quorum?
Thank you! Saw these headlines and immediately wondered: What is a civil arrest warrant.
Also, they do this every time the Ds leave the state like this. DeLay got in ethics trouble for trying to get the FAA to track their planes in 2003 so they could apprehend the fugitives.
Illinois wouldn’t let them in the State no matter what type of warrant.
Not showing up for work is not a crime.
they did issue them though, so that says something about who they are
People can call and tell him how they feel about it. (512) 463-1826
Same thing happened in Oregon a few years ago I believe
Excellent!
So, in short, they wasted time and taxpayer money for what amounts to nothing. More fraud and waste from the Republicans. It would be cheaper, faster, and overall more effective to drop the illegal redistricting.
That being said, I would be keeping my eyes open for ICE, who will absolutely go and collect these folks under direction from Trump and deposit them back in Texas.
Fuck Texas!
Yeah, it's all performative with the Texas GOP. Let Abbott do wheelies in the sand.
What about Abbot, though?
So, to summarize: Texas is like the in-laws who can still yell at you from across the state line, but you're not actually in trouble... yet.
Thank you.
It's also worth noting that since they cannot be hindered on their way to session, by law, even the idea of arresting them in Texas and forcing them to attend is akin to herding cats.
It’s the (evil intention) thought that counts.
Don’t let the truth get in he way of some good old fashioned rioting though . 😂😂
Hell, their not even less serious than a traffic ticket. Big growls, Itty bitty meows.
Isn’t that still terrible? I guess it’s better than something effective outside the state but you say it like it’s nbd.
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But at some point they’ll come back
It's still BS.
We know. But thanks.
Blue states should issue arrest warrants for the GOP legislators who fled DC to avoid voting on the Epstein files.
Why are they effective at all?
Of course. Hot Wheels should have been a theater major. He’ll do anything for the drama. What a shit.
I don't think that really diminishes the act itself.
Seems like this will have the effect of guaranteeing they will not return to Texas now.
I hope the Texan people are protesting outside their house/senate to help these representatives in their mission!
I think that is what ICE is for now.
"sergeant at arms" and those State Troopers should do what's right and refuse! Stay on the good side, not on the fascist side!
However, when law is just ignored...
how can they vote on the warrants without a quorum?
I'm from tx,live in austin.so proud of these folks for standing up for their constituents.we need more fearless protesting govt wide
Same! I'm in DFW and support the DEMS actions. They speak for so many of us 🔵 in this intolerable red state.
Without a quorum those warrants are made up
"not effective outside the state". But they have to come back at some point to fulfill their legislative duties. If they never come back that means only republicans are in Texas congress.
But the Republicans in Texas do not have a quorum, otherwise they'd just say "okay" and pass everything they want with no resistance. That's what this is about. Dems are shutting down the Texas legislature so nothing can get voted on at all.
OK, I got it now! They can't do anything.
Thank you for this clarification. bsky.app/profile/figh...
Drump can’t send the feds after them?
Like ICE.
I’m assuming he can federally deputized anyone he wants. He has immunity. He’s the one pushing the redistricting. He’d love nothing more than to lock up some Ds.
Yep.
But they cannot come back to the state then?
Imagine if Democrats actually used this tactic. There would be nationwide outrage.
Thank you. I've been wondering about that.
I see, the Republican Party is just bluffing.
manningkrull.com/digital-phil...
Right, but how many Dems can afford to remain away from their homes (and jobs) for months on end, without financial support? = Hats off to Pritzker for offering hotel rooms, but that will only go so far. HELP! 😖🥊🧯🙏
I was about to grab my rifle. Damn. Soon, I'm sure.
bring them to the Capitol for what? a public flogging? tell them when they get their asses in gear and release the Epstein files, we'll revisit your complaints as we deem appropriate 🖕
...unless some of their J6 Proud Boys in ICE go up there and bring them back... This regime is just plain effing nasty. And it's getting worse.
That’s my worry at this stage - violent idiots thinking this is an opportunity to freelance.
should also be noted that Abbott has tried the same thing in 2021 and 2003 with the same result of scheduling more special sessions to try and ram it through...as the civil warrants are never executed...
Just more performative bullshit from the pro-pedo party
Not to give anyone ideas, but only Illinois *or the Feds* can make an arrest in Illinois...
And there it is... bsky.app/profile/real...
Yes, but one assumes they will return to the state eventually. Meaning they could potentially be arrested the moment they stepped foot off a plane.
Maybe they’ll drive back. Why risk getting on a plane when our Temu Governor can be outsmarted?
So their message is simultaneously "you must return to the state" and "you will be arrested if you return to the state".
try to explain that to Abbott, Paxton, and the other idiots in charge.
How did they vote without a quorum?
Did the Tx chamber have a quorum for that vote?
And, take note: These are preludes to Trump suspending the midterms. Be prepared, ‘Liberty or Death’ is no longer a quaint refrain.
Performative nonsense as per usual
That's good. Just a show then.... that they are a bunch of powehungry jerks
I worry Trump will send the National Guard into Illinois to arrest them. The troops in LA proved courts won’t stop that. Trump wants these 5 seats more than Abbott does.
The courts have in fact stopped that because the troops got pulled because of the imminent legal action.
No. A court issue an injunction that the 9th Circuit promptly stayed. If Trump tries that in Illinois the federal courts will give him free rein.
Thanks
That's still pretty fucked up
It’s all peacocking for the PIC.. pedo in chief.
Are you telling me a Democrat got strategic, thought about what the counter move might be and took action? Holy shit!
Have these dems spoke out? They should be every where explaining why they have to do this!
Where are all the Bonnie and Clyde memes on this? Come on America, don’t leave all the satire to us Brits. We are fucking good at it though.
Also, I feel like other states have used similar warrants and powers to try to compel legislators - ex. The act 10 quorum fight in WI (that banned public unions). And maybe a similar one in Oregon within this decade by the GOP?
Yeah, the Oregon one resulted in the voters passing a constitutional amendment that bars legislators from running again if they have too many unexcused absences. So, its still a potential tactic, but it comes with a big cost.
The Oregon one was by the GOP to prevent democracy (Oregon Republicans are a minority who didn't want progressive bills to pass), this one is by the Democrats to preserve democracy. There are higher moral values than democracy, sometimes, but the Republicans gave up their morals decades ago. 🤷
Ya, I don't think they are morally similar. Just, I'm not sure if the rhetoric of "arrest and bringing back electeds" is anything new/different. Ofc, knowing these fascists, they'll find some way to escalate so....yay??
thanks @obarcala.bsky.social for critical info
This week is the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston. www.ncsl.org/events/2025-...
Well, that explains that. Can they actually force legislators to attend & remain in the House during voting session? Only response would be for Dems to stay away for the whole session until the GOP agrees not to proceed with the legislation. Unless that gives Abbott undesirable emergency powers.
So how does the Texas House issue arrest warrants when it doesn’t have a quorum? Laughable.
Stupid, completely fictional question, but is there something equivalent for the governor?
Interesting!!!!’
That's why they say if they attempt to return they will be arrested.
Hilarious
Appreciate @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social @gavinnewsom.bsky.social addressing trump rigging next election on @meidastouch.com @meiselasb.bsky.social YouTube video youtu.be/TyVCKOtXsYM?... Dictator trump will corrupt our votes to retain power noting GOP republicans have surrendered America to him
They're Scorpio warrants: “GET OVER HERE!”
I'll note that none of them have put out "better send bachelors if you want to take me", unlike Oregon Rep Brian Boquist during the OR Republican Senate walkout over (checks notes) emissions controls.
Tee hee hee.....
TY.
They could have ICE kidnap them and "return" them to Texas (or El Salvador).
Thank you for the clarification
Figured as much!!
Thank you! My timeline us filled with panicky posts about this being prelude to the fall of the republic.
More bullshit by a corrupt , bullshit people.
thank you for explaining that!!
Thanks for posting this. I so admire these legislators for taking a stand.
Still...
How could they vote on anything without a quorum? Scare tactics and, when can we get tge Epstein files?
Uh. It kinda doesn't matter, it's prosecution of an opposing political party.
is this what they did when legislators fled TX in 2003
I hope the dems stop using their cell phones, credit cards, and social media so they aren’t tracked down. I bet the gov enlists help from DHS to find them. Be smart. Hide well.
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It's a hollow threat from departure losers. They put hands on one of us, it's fair game to return the favor.
I’m worried that Trump will get involved and the DOJ will round up the Texas dems. What then?
Yep that why they go to another state to wait it out
How can they vote to issue warrants without a quorum?
But, after the last 6 months, who doesn’t think it’s possible for masked goons to grab those democrats off the street to remand them back to Texas?
Bet they send ice for them.
Thanks for the clarification. But are they valid for arrests when these Democrat elected officials need to return home?
No.
Or Trump sends ICE to kidnap them and illegally rendition them back to Texas.
Performative BS by the house republicans.
Thank you!
I'd contend the House has no jurisdiction to issue a warrant for a civil arrest at all. Civil arrest warrants are for violations of court orders. There are no courts involved here. I'd say to tell Abbott to just sit down, but well...
And the state constitution includes the right of members of the legislature to break quorum by leaving the chamber -- and, by implication, by leaving the state.
oh texas has no problem with renditioning people
Doesn't it also mean they still won't have a quorum if the Dems are in fake jail?
who gives a flying fuck? who are you?
It’s all a big show for the lying, sexual predator cosplaying as president! He’s so stupid he probably believes HE can have them arrested.
If you're in Texas dress up as the representative you look the most like and go hang out by the capitol 🤣
Good! Thank You.
😂
Well then, I hope the Texas Democrats enjoy the hospitality of blue states (and their governors) as long as it is necessary. Please enjoy nice vacations away from the Texas Republicans.👍
sweet
What's more, you should also be aware that the Texas Constitution allows for members of the legislature to break a quorum. They are literally not doing anything illegal. When Abbott says he will vacate their positions and fill them with his own appointees, he doesn't have the authority to do so.
Who’s gonna stop him? There is pain ahead; freeing Lady Liberty from Trump’s grimy, torturous clutches includes stopping many ‘little Caesars’ like Abbott. My hat is in the ring…
Texas judges will stop him. He knows that. If he was going to do that, he would have done it already.
Texas judges won’t stop the inevitable suspension of the midterms, trumped by Reich-minded SCOTUS.
Business as usual in Texas - not the first time for this sort of absenteeism - drama drama drama - let’s see NY and CA make good on their threats now
Thank you!!
Lmao perfect
Abbott is planning to kidnap & detain Democrats to get his way Isn't this what Trump is doing with undocumented immigrants?
What is it with Republicans always being the cop callin' snitch bitches. Seriously put your big boy and girl underwear and panties on, act like adults and quit bowing to Donald Trump. Republicans actually should be arrested for creating a law in the United States of America for violating the
1st Amendments freedom of speech and to peacefully protest when making it law to be forbidden funding if you boycott ISRAEL. Seriously WTF is that since 2017 Issue a warrant for Republicans for attempting to fraud the Texas constituents and gerrymander to steal midterm election of 2026 It's all on
Video. Trump's demand, Abotts bow down , the revised map for vote Issue a warrant for Republicans for threatening Democrats for expressing themselves through non violent peaceful protesting in leaving the state....dumb asses what you are doing though legal rights, is absolutely the most
Unconstitutional and are a threat to the sovereignty of America's Democracy! You are TYRANTS Issue a warrant for Republicans for violating the laws involving the separation of church and state by having the 10 commandments placed in every school throughout the states.
You would have been much wiser and may have learned something quite fascinating if you would have had the Constitution or Bill of Rights posted in every school. So you may want to reconsider your warrant threats , as the violations of the law in this moment is the Republican party of TX.
There will come a day where you too will face a Nuemenberg style trial....just a friendly reminder! We The People
Well, ICE apparently doesn't *need* any kind of warrant to send masked, armed, tactical geared goons to kidnap, detain, and deport any-fcking-body on US soil right now and they just got a billion+$ to do whatever tf they want with a potus/team believing they are immune from the law.
Good to know. Thank you.
I vaguely remember Texas Rangers looking for absent Dems in 2003 during that redistricting fight. Was that only in Texas, although the Dems had fled to New Mexico.
So y'all think you're not living under fascist rule yet? GYHAS!
Problem is, once they go back to Texas they'll be arrested and Abbott will use some bullshit excuse to replace them all with Republicans. Texas is full on fascist at this point.
so yer sayin' then not to expect a posse of inbreds whoopin & a hollerin' riding out toward IL to round up some legislators ... I bet lotta smooth brained slack-jawed Texas bros sorry they can't go.
Doesn't this effectively exile them from the state if they want to avoid arrest though?
I believe they can only be brought back to the Capitol - not to actual jail
An important delineation!!
Are they going to be arrested when they return to Texas?
Where are all the ‘not all of us’ Texas liberals that throw a hissy fit when you criticize red Texas? Why aren’t they marching on and protesting at the capital and the governors mansion? Crickets.
Where are you except stuck up your own ass hole?
okay fed
They are all fucking your mom rn
Also pretty sure it’s not an arrest warrant otherwise there are hundreds of congressional members headed for jail for missing votes.
Thank you for the information. I doubt IL would even accept criminal ones.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS. You helped lower my stress significantly.
Yes .... and hopefully just an irritant, and not something that will stop the legislators in their effort to hold Trump off
Dumb fucks!!
Thank you for clarifying
I picture a petulant little "man," stomping up and down screaming "come back NOW!"
So what you're trying to say is they are above the law in this situation. But will you admit it's the next step to the inevitable outcome?
Doesn't that mean they can't come home though?
If they come back to the state they'll probably be arrested and brought to the House until the end of the session. It's not like they're on the lam for the rest of their lives (though I suppose Abbott could just call special sessions over and over for a while)
Oh, so they can enforce the law when they want to
A system that allows politicians to issue warrants on political opponents is an anathema within a putative democracy. But then again, democracy has given way to brown, paper bags of USD. Or, direct deposit.
Thank you for explaining all this.
Trump will have ICE kidnap them.
medium.com/@colingajews...
I read that & have had to hold back from repeating this very same thing! Too many people think it's federal; it's not.
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