The warrants apply only within state lines, making them largely symbolic as most of the legislators in question decamped to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened on Monday to arrest Democratic lawmakers who are using their collective absence from the state capital to prevent the legislature from adopting a Republican-backed plan for redrawing Texas congressional districts.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the arrest Monday of House Democrats after they fled the state to prevent a quorum and a vote on proposed redistricting maps.