An Adams County judge ruled his court “does not have the inherent power to direct Illinois law enforcement officers” to round up the Texas lawmakers.

Texas House Democrats who fled to Illinois and other northern states to block a Republican-led congressional redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump said Thursday they would return to Austin after lawmakers adjourn their current special session on Friday and California Democrats introduce their retaliatory map designed to neutralize the Texas GOP effort.

Gov. JB Pritzker in Springfield on Aug. 6 called the Texas House Democrats who fled the state for Illinois to thwart a Republican quorum to vote on a controversial congressional redistricting plan "heroes (who) are standing up for democracy."