--- title: Texas Democrat Locked in State Capitol for Refusing Mandatory Escort description: Rep. Nicole Collier is one of dozens of Democrats who fled Texas earlier this month to block a vote on a Trump-backed redistricting plan. canonical: https://time.com/7310556/nicole-collier-fort-worth-democrat-texas-escort-republicans-trump-redistricting/ author: Miranda Jeyaretnam article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2025-08-19T07:30:00.000Z article:modified_time: 2025-08-20T09:09:51.000Z article:section: Politics og:title: Texas Democrat Locked in State Capitol for Refusing Mandatory Escort og:description: Rep. Nicole Collier is one of dozens of Democrats who fled Texas earlier this month to block a vote on a Trump-backed redistricting plan. og:url: https://time.com/7310556/nicole-collier-fort-worth-democrat-texas-escort-republicans-trump-redistricting/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde3140f82cbdd58f/6998c910e1ba0056bb98dd39/nicole-collier.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1024 og:image:height: 576 og:image:alt: Texas Democratic Lawmakers Testify On Voting Rights og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Texas Democrat Locked in State Capitol for Refusing Mandatory Escort twitter:description: Rep. Nicole Collier is one of dozens of Democrats who fled Texas earlier this month to block a vote on a Trump-backed redistricting plan. twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde3140f82cbdd58f/6998c910e1ba0056bb98dd39/nicole-collier.jpg?branch=production&width=1024&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Texas Democrats Stay in State Capitol to Protest Mandatory Monitoring > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: August 2026. ## TIME D.C. Brief: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition D.C. Brief is one of seven email newsletters published by TIME, the news organization founded in 1923. Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington. D.C. Brief goes beyond the Washington headlines to explain the politics, personalities and power dynamics shaping what happens next. 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It is written by a TIME senior correspondent who covers the capital full time. #### Who writes TIME's D.C. Brief? Philip Elliott, a senior correspondent at TIME, writes D.C. Brief. #### Is D.C. Brief free? Yes. D.C. Brief is free at time.com/newsletters. ## Video: Texas House of Representatives Achieves a Quorum After Democrats Return to State Capitol [Watch (HLS stream): Texas House of Representatives Achieves a Quorum After Democrats Return to State Capitol](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/WSLoqLpb.m3u8) (2:38)  _Published 2025-08-18. Texas Democrats ended a two-week walkout, allowing Republicans to resume efforts to redraw congressional districts. At the same time, California Democrats are pushing their own redistricting plans, putting both states at the center of a growing battle over control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms._  by [Miranda Jeyaretnam](https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/)  ## Miranda Jeyaretnam Reporter Updated: Aug 20, 2025 9:09 AM UTCPublished: Aug 19, 2025 7:30 AM UTC  Texas state representative Nicole Collier speaks during a House Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., on July 29, 2021. Texas state representative Nicole Collier speaks during a House Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Subcommittee hearing in Washington, D.C., on July 29, 2021. Stefani Reynolds—Bloomberg/Getty Images  by [Miranda Jeyaretnam](https://time.com/author/miranda-jeyaretnam/)  ## Miranda Jeyaretnam Reporter Updated: Aug 20, 2025 9:09 AM UTCPublished: Aug 19, 2025 7:30 AM UTC Rep. Nicole Collier, a Democrat representing Fort Worth, claims that she’s been unlawfully locked in the Texas House chambers, where she remained overnight Monday and several more state Democrats have since joined her in support. Collier was one of dozens of Democrats who fled the state earlier this month to break quorum in an effort to block a vote on a [contentious redistricting plan](https://time.com/7309565/americas-gerrymandering-problem-fix/) backed by President Donald Trump that [would favor Republican candidates](https://time.com/7307431/texas-democrats-flee-redistricting-trump/) in the 2026 midterm elections. Some of the representatives [returned on Monday](https://time.com/7309795/california-election-rigging-response-texas-redistricting-trump-republicans-democrats-newsom/) for the start of a second special session but GOP Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows is requiring that they be escorted by state troopers when leaving the House chamber to prevent another walkout. Collier, however, said she would not agree to such monitoring. “I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts,” Collier said in a statement to media outlets. “My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights,” she said. “When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents—I won’t just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination.” ## Proposed Texas maps kicked off interstate redistricting fight Texas GOP leaders have [criticized](https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-files-historic-lawsuit-against-democrat-runaways-scotx-secure-order) the Democrats that fled for having “abandoned their duties.” Earlier this month, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit to remove 13 representatives from office over their continued absence on Aug. 8, while Gov. Greg Abbott requested that the Texas Supreme Court vacate the seat of House Democratic leader Gene Wu. Litigation is [ongoing](https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/texas-gov-responds-in-lawsuit-to-remove-top-democrat-from-office/), although it’s not clear how the members’ return will affect the suits. Republicans had also [issued civil arrest warrants](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/gop-issues-symbolic-arrest-warrants-for-texas-democrats.html) soon after the Democrats left the state on Aug. 3, which Burrows [said](https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-democrats-quorum-arrest-civil-warrants-legislature-house/287-b48746ef-df26-4d8a-9d55-1593f371df38) remains in place for the lawmakers that have not yet returned, as well as fines of $500 for everyday that they were away under [Texas House rules](https://www.house.texas.gov/pdfs/resources/House-Rules.pdf). Even so, the passage of the redistricting plan is [all but guaranteed](https://time.com/7307356/texas-democrats-flee-takeaways/). The Texas Senate redistricting committee approved the maps on Sunday, and the Republican-majority upper chamber could vote on the plan as soon as this Wednesday. “We knew that this was something we were not going to be able to stop,” Rep. Ramon Romero, one of the Democrats who fled, told the [Fort Worth Report](https://fortworthreport.org/2025/08/18/fort-worth-rep-collier-refuses-to-leave-texas-house-protesting-state-trooper-escorts/). “We could slow it down, though, and that’s exactly what we did.” Texas Republicans were energized by the Democrats’ return. “Representatives come and go. Issues rise and fall. But this body has endured wars, economic depressions and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session,” Burrows said at Monday’s session. “We are done waiting. We have a quorum. Now is the time for action.” Trump [posted](https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115051906127274792) on Truth Social, “Please pass this Map, ASAP.” Trump had [earlier threatened](https://time.com/7307814/texas-democrats-redistricting-quorum-fbi-locate-arrest-abbott-paxton-trump/) to involve Federal Bureau of Investigations officers in bringing back the representatives. The Democrats’ return to the state comes after California [launched its own redistricting plan](https://time.com/7309028/gavin-newsom-donald-trump-california-redistricting-texas-neutralize-democrats-republicans/) that would counter the Texas Republicans’ efforts. Several more states—Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New York, and Ohio—have also entered [redistricting battles](https://www.npr.org/2025/08/14/nx-s1-5501537/texas-california-gerrymandering-redistricting). Redistricting typically happens once every 10 years, after the U.S. census, which was last conducted in 2020\. But Trump and his allies began lobbying for Republican states to redraw their congressional lines sooner, in order to gain an advantage in next year’s midterms. “Now that the nation is involved in this fight, some Texas Democrats are coming back to fight these racist maps in the legislature and then in the courts,” Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said in a [statement](https://www.texasdemocrats.org/media/texas-democrats-took-the-redistricting-fight-nationally-and-are-now-taking-the-fight-back-to-texas) Monday. “Texans can see that the Republicans would rather serve Trump than serve the interests of Texans.” Wu told the [Houston Chronicle](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNhI3fGIw4n/) that the Democrats will challenge the legality of the maps. Many Democrats, though, [did not return](https://x.com/TMFtx/status/1957464643921723863) on Monday. “Even if California and New York redistrict and successfully get rid of Republicans, that doesn’t help my district,” Rep. Jolanda Jones, who did not return to Texas, told the [_New York Times_](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/18/us/politics/redistricting-texas-maps.html). “We will lose one Black seat in Houston and one Black seat in Dallas. That’s unacceptable.” ## Collier alleges “illegal confinement” Collier told [CBS](https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/texas-democrat-says-shes-locked-inside-state-capitol-after-refusing-mandatory-dps-escort/) that she could go to her office with a police escort and with Department of Public Safety officers stationed outside or she could remain inside the chamber. She told the Fort Worth Report that she does not know how long she will be there for. Collier has filed a [habeas corpus petition](https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/texas-democrat-collier-habeas-corpus-petition.pdf) to a Travis County court alleging her “illegal confinement.” Another Democratic representative, Ann Johnson, signed the permission slip but remained with Collier for some time after objecting to being followed by an officer. Johnson eventually left the chamber. “This is another exercise of authority and power over people of color, over people who resist,” said Collier, who is the former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. “This exercise, this requirement that we be trailed by DPS officers who could be out there fighting crime is not only a waste of taxpayer dollars, but is also offensive to the dignity of each one of us who has been elected by our constituents to come here and fight.” Other state Democrats have joined Collier in support and protest since. Wu, along with Rep. Vincel Perez, [stayed overnight Monday](https://x.com/GeneforTexas/status/1957782945353044330) with Collier, while several others joined her on the House floor on Tuesday, tearing up their permission slips. State Rep. Linda Garcia [told](https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-texas-nicole-collier-capitol-protest-10f8e3f721a507237d5272ccd1b2f81b) the Associated Press she was followed home by plainsclothes officers in unmarked cars, with an officer following her even down every aisle as she grocery shopped. Another state Democrat, Rep. Sheryl Cole, [posted](https://x.com/SherylCole1/status/1957851386193805329) on X that the officer following her “got angry” and “threatened to arrest” her. Burrows said in a statement to the AP that Collier’s “choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules,” which dictate that the chamber doors will be locked and that members cannot leave “without the written permission of the speaker” until the House reconvenes Wednesday. Collier’s attention-grabbing move has been applauded by Democrats across the state and country. “As a former Texas State Rep, let me be clear: LOCKING Rep. Nicole Collier inside the chamber is beyond outrageous,” U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D, Texas) [posted](https://x.com/RepJasmine/status/1957579671731593641?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1957579671731593641%7Ctwgr%5E6cecd80ddfee3a4906b17fb53dc6d66505b0d7e6%7Ctwcon%5Es1%5F&ref%5Furl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wfaa.com%2Farticle%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Ffort-worth-rep-nicole-collier-remains-on-house-floor-after-refusing-escort%2F287-0469de96-fd26-4b51-a1df-10d35ba2d566) on X. “Forcing elected officials to sign ‘permission slips’ and take police escorts to leave? That’s not procedure. That’s some old Jim Crow playbook.” Democratic state senator Roland Gutierrez, who visited Collier in the chamber, [posted](https://x.com/RolandForTexas/status/1957630555593343279) a video of a group of supporters gathered inside the Texas Capitol building that was chanting, “Let her out.” ## Transcript Democracy. Democracy? Democracy. Looks like this is what democracy looks like. The House will come to order. Members. Strict enforcement has been requested by Mr. Moody. That means you should only vote for yourself in from your desk and not for anybody else. Clark, ring the bell. A quorum is present. A quorum is present and is time to resume. The work of the people of Texas sent us here to do. Restoring a quorum was my first responsibility as speaker and has been accomplished. My responsibility now is to keep this quorum intact, and to maintain an atmosphere of order and respect until the job is finished. No one here needs a reminder that the last few weeks have been contentious, but from this point forward, the rules of engagement are clear. Debate is welcome, but personal attacks and name calling will not be tolerated. The speaker shall see that the members of the House conduct themselves in a civil manner, and guests in the gallery also reminded of the importance of decorum. Any disturbances of disorderly conduct will result in removal. Members. The House has been through a tumultuous two weeks, but this institution long predates us and will long outlast each of us. Representatives come and go. Issues rise and fall, but this body has endured wars, economic depressions and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session. It will withstand this, too. And what will remain is a chamber where the majority has the right to prevail. The minority has the right to be heard. That has always been the mark of a functioning Texas house. Let me also be clear about where we go from here. We are done waiting. We have a quorum. Now is the time for action. We will move quickly, and the schedule will be demanding until our work is complete. To that end, members who have been present before today for whom arrest warrants were not issued, will receive written permission to return Wednesday at 10 a.m.. Members who have not been present until today for whom arrest warrants were issued, will be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated DPS officer appointment under the rules of the House, or who will ensure who will ensure your return Wednesday at 10 a.m. for those still absent. Civil arrest warrants remain in force. We have a few items of business to complete today, after which the House will adjourn until Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. the call will remain in place. Members, it is time for us to get to work. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/7310556/nicole-collier-fort-worth-democrat-texas-escort-republicans-trump-redistricting/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/7310556/nicole-collier-fort-worth-democrat-texas-escort-republicans-trump-redistricting/"},"headline":"Texas Democrats Stay in State Capitol to Protest Mandatory Monitoring","datePublished":"2025-08-19T07:30:00.000Z","dateModified":"2025-08-20T09:09:51.000Z","description":"Rep. 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