Michael McAuliffe, former prosecutor and former state attorney, told Newsweek the FBI's involvement is "well beyond alarming."

The FBI will help Texas track down Democratic state lawmakers who have fled to other parts of the country in a collective effort to thwart Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts, Republican U.

Texas Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said Thursday the FBI has granted his request to assist Texas law enforcement in locating House Democrats who fled the state, setting up a potential confrontation with Illinois Democratic officials who have vowed to protect them.