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

The move to flee the state is part of a tactic to block a vote in the Texas House on redistricting. The proposal by Republicans would create five more Republican-leaning seats in the US House of Representatives, where the party holds a slim majority.

Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called it a “shameful attempt to thwart the legislative process” when announcing that the FBI will assist in tracking down dozens of Democratic