Republican Gov. Greg Abbott claimed that he had heard that the FBI will search for Texas House Democrats who left the state in protest of proposed new congressional maps.

Texas Democrats who left the state in a bid to block redrawn U.S. House maps have responded to Republican Governor Greg Abbott's threat to remove them from office if they don't return by Monday afternoon.

The governor also alleged absconding Democrats may have committed felonies by fundraising to cover the $500-a-day fines they will face under House rules.