Governor Greg Abbott has halted the construction of a planned Muslim-oriented development in North Texas. The project has become a flashpoint in debates about religious freedom and government oversight in the Lone Star State. Why did EPIC begin construction despite the lack of necessary permits?
State Agencies Launch Multiple Investigations
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas has completely halted construction of EPIC City, a proposed Islamic community development in North Texas. According to the governor’s office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality determined that the East Plano Islamic Center failed to submit the required permits necessary for construction to begin legally.
The state has launched approximately a dozen investigations into the project, including criminal investigations by the Texas Rangers. Additional probes include the Texas Workforce Commission investigating potential discrimination under the Texas Fair Housing Act, the Texas State Securities Board examining potential financial harm to Texans, and the Texas Funeral Service Commission issuing a cease-and-desist order for alleged illegal funeral service operations.
A legal battle is brewing between a planned Muslim-centric community and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has demanded developers stop construction and asked Texas authorities to probe the community for crime. More: https://t.co/cVYoKbGBLw pic.twitter.com/t8EGo4fnQI
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) April 4, 2025
Project Plans and Controversy
The proposed EPIC City development, backed by the East Plano Islamic Center and to be developed by Community Capital Partners, was planned for land near Josephine, Texas. According to project plans, the development would include a mosque, residential homes, a faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and a community college.
Controversy has surrounded the project, with some critics raising concerns that the city might potentially block non-Muslim residents or promote Sharia law. EPIC officials have firmly denied these claims, stating that the development would not violate state law or operate under Islamic legal systems, and that the project is intended to be an inclusive community development.
Opponents of a proposed Muslim city in Texas flooded Collin County Commissioners Court Monday in hopes of stopping a controversial Islamic East Plano Islamic Center or EPIC, permits needed to build a city for Muslims that's meant to be 'the epicenter of Islam in America' by… pic.twitter.com/DoNOQKNptb
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) April 4, 2025
Political Reactions and Religious Freedom Concerns
Texas Senator John Cornyn has called for a Department of Justice investigation into potential religious discrimination at EPIC City. In his statement, Senator Cornyn expressed concerns about potential constitutional violations and federal rights issues, requesting appropriate steps to ensure compliance with legal obligations.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has strongly criticized the investigations as Islamophobic and baseless. CAIR representatives have accused Texas officials of targeting Muslims for political gain and spreading misinformation, while calling for the Department of Justice to reject Senator Cornyn’s investigation request.
The East Plano Islamic Center has reported receiving hate calls and threats since the controversy began, with personal addresses of mosque leaders allegedly being shared. The EPIC City proposal remains in early stages with no formal planning application submitted, and its future appears uncertain amid the ongoing investigations and political opposition.