CHICAGO — A group of Texas Democrats, who recently migrated to a Chicago suburb to avoid voting on a contentious redistricting proposal back home, faced a bomb threat on Wednesday, according to local authorities. The St. Charles Police Department confirmed the incident, highlighting the intensifying tensions surrounding the political standoff.

The Texas House Democratic Caucus, currently residing at the Q-Center hotel and convention complex in St. Charles, received threats early in the morning that prompted swift action from local and state law enforcement. "This morning, a threat was made against the safety of the members. We are safe, we are secure, and we are undeterred," the caucus leadership stated, expressing gratitude towards Governor JB Pritzker and the responding officers for their prompt response.

Following the threat, which was reported at approximately 7:15 a.m. Central time, the police and the Kane County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad conducted an extensive search of the premises. Although no explosives were discovered, the incident led to the evacuation of around 400 individuals, underscoring the seriousness with which the threat was taken.

The scare delayed a scheduled press conference with Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), as the group prioritized safety and re-assessment of their security measures. The evacuated guests and staff were only allowed to return after the police thoroughly secured the area and cleared it of any potential danger.

This incident comes in the wake of the Texas Democrats' decision to leave their state en masse last Sunday. Their departure was a strategic move to prevent a quorum in the Texas state Legislature, thereby stalling a vote on a Republican-drawn congressional map. Critics argue that the proposed map could unfairly increase GOP representation in the U.S. House by as many as five seats in the 2026 midterms.

As the Texas Democrats continue their protest from Illinois, the bomb threat adds a layer of risk to their already controversial and closely-watched political maneuver. Despite these challenges, the caucus remains committed to their cause, emphasizing their determination to fight for fair representation.