Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted a controversial Muslim community development in East Plano citing Sharia law concerns and permit violations, while project defenders claim religious discrimination is fueling opposition to what they describe as a faith-based neighborhood development.
Quick Takes
- Governor Abbott ordered investigations into the East Plano Islamic Center’s “EPIC City” project by multiple state agencies and halted construction over permit violations
- The proposed 402-acre development would include over 1,000 houses, a mosque, schools, and other facilities for a primarily Muslim community
- Abbott cited a 2017 Texas law prohibiting Sharia law and expressed concerns about creating potential “no-go zones”
- EPIC’s attorney claims racial profiling is behind the opposition, stating the developers are American citizens who simply want to build a faith-based community
- No construction has begun yet as the project remains in preliminary planning stages
Abbott Orders Multi-Agency Investigation
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched comprehensive investigations into the proposed “EPIC City” development by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The controversial project, planned for land in Collin and Hunt counties, has drawn scrutiny from a dozen state agencies and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Abbott’s intervention comes amid growing concerns about the nature of the development, which proposes an Islamic-focused settlement on a 402-acre site with plans for over 1,000 houses, a mosque, educational facilities, and commercial developments.
The governor addressed the situation on social media, making his position clear while updating Texans on the latest developments. “The proposed EPIC compound in Collin Co. has serious legal issues. A dozen state agencies are investigating it, the Attorney General will look into it, and legislators are considering laws to restrict it, as well as laws to prevent foreign adversaries from buying land in Texas,” Abbott stated.
WOAH 🚨 The all Muslim City in Texas being built called Epic City was building the entire city WITH NO BUILDING PERMITS
Greg Abbott “They talk about doing all this building, but they don't have any building permits to actually do any building”pic.twitter.com/OTirtP71Aw
— Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) April 4, 2025
Permit Violations and Sharia Law Concerns
At the center of the controversy are two main issues: alleged permit violations and concerns about Sharia law implementation. According to Abbott, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality determined that EPIC failed to submit required permits before beginning construction. The governor issued a seven-day ultimatum for the developers to cease any construction activities or “face the full weight of the law.” Abbott’s statement emphasized Texas’s commitment to law enforcement, warning that “those scheming to evade law enforcement scrutiny must know justice is awaiting them.”
Beyond permit issues, Abbott explicitly referenced concerns about Sharia law, invoking a 2017 Texas law he signed that prohibits its implementation. “To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no-go zones’ which this project seems to imply,” Abbott declared, suggesting the development could create isolated enclaves operating outside Texas law.
Developers Deny Allegations
EPIC representatives have strongly rejected the governor’s characterizations, hiring attorney Dan Cogdell to address what they describe as false information. According to Cogdell, the development is still in preliminary stages with no construction having begun or permits applied for yet. The project remains in a fundraising phase, with plans subject to revision based on investor interest, according to statements from the planning firm involved.
“These aren’t foreign adversaries. These are Texans. These are Americans. These are United States citizens. All they want to do is to build a community that allows them to live together with people who value family and faith,” said Cogdell.
Community Capital Partners, the organization managing the project, has emphasized their commitment to adhering to the Fair Housing Act, ensuring no discrimination based on religion. EPIC representatives describe their vision as creating a “well-integrated” Muslim neighborhood that would contribute positively to Texas and the nation. They insist the development would comply with all state and federal laws, with no intention of implementing Sharia law.
Religious Discrimination Claims
EPIC’s legal representation has accused Abbott of racial profiling, claiming the opposition stems solely from the developers’ Muslim faith. Cogdell has characterized the governor’s statements as dangerous misinformation that has already led to death threats against the developers and the East Plano Islamic Center. The attorney extended an invitation to state officials to verify facts before making further claims against the project.
“To have people who are of a different faith than some folks to be basically terrorized because of false information put out by the governor is an insult. It’s a shame, and it needs to stop,” Cogdell demanded.
The conflict has sparked significant local discussion, with some Texas residents expressing concerns while others question the validity of the allegations. The project’s future remains uncertain as it faces potential legislative and legal challenges, with Abbott directing the Texas Rangers to investigate EPIC for possible criminal activities. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedom, property rights, and state authority in Texas.
