Texas Democrat Nicole Collier Locked in State Capitol, Sleeps on House Floor After Refusing Republican-Mandated Police Escort

(X/Nicole Collier)

Texas Rep. Nicole Collier (D) slept on the statehouse floor Monday night after she was locked inside after refusing a Republican-ordered police escort.

On Tuesday morning, Collier shared a photo of herself sleeping in the chamber, writing: “This was my night, bonnet and all, in the #txlege.”

Collier was one of dozens of Democratic state reps who fled to Illinois earlier this month in the wake of the Republican-led redistricting plan that will add five districts favorable to the GOP.

The runaway Dems returned to Austin two weeks later, and when they did, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered them to have around-the-clock state trooper detail, according to The Texas Tribune.

Democrats reportedly called the police mandate a waste of taxpayer funds, but ultimately relented. Collier, however, refused and was ordered to remain locked in the Capitol building as a result.

“I refused to sign,” Collier told Fox 4 News. “I will not agree to be in DPS custody. I am not a criminal. I am exercising my right to resist and oppose the decisions of our government. So, this is my form of protest.”