Former Legal professional Normal Eric Holder stated Sunday that the FBI doesn’t have jurisdiction to return Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled their state.
“Texas lawmakers are digging in. You heard Governor Abbott there speaking concerning the FBI, Senator Cornyn calling the FBI to assist find these Democratic lawmakers who fled the state. I’m wondering, do you suppose that the FBI has jurisdiction to intervene right here and attempt to convey again these Democrats who’re in different states?” NBC Information’s Kristen Welker requested on “Meet the Press.”
“Quick reply, no. I imply, you are asking the FBI to get entangled, to seek out these legislators who’re within the technique of attempting to defend democracy in Texas,” Holder responded.
“And so they’re not onerous to seek out, however the query after that’s, ‘Nicely, what is the federal jurisdiction? What federal statute has probably been violated? What is the foundation for any federal authorities interplay?’ And I’d say that there’s none,” he added.
Texas Democratic state Home members final weekend left the Lone Star State amid a redistricting battle between themselves and Texas Republicans. The transfer resulted in outcry from members of the state’s GOP, who’ve been attempting to maneuver forward with a controversial redistricting plan that would price Democrats seats in Congress.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) stated Thursday that FBI Director Kash Patel accredited a request to assist state and native regulation enforcement find the absconded Texas Democrats.
“I’m proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has accredited my request for the FBI to help state and native regulation enforcement in finding runaway Texas Home Democrats,” Cornyn stated in an announcement Thursday morning.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) additionally stated Thursday that the FBI was “monitoring down” the Democratic lawmakers.
“Texas DPS and the FBI are monitoring down the derelict Democrats. They are going to be taken on to the Texas Capitol,” Abbott wrote on the social platform X.
The Hill has reached out to Cornyn’s workplace and Abbott’s press workplace for remark.
When reached for remark by The Hill, the FBI declined to take action.