Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on May 12, 2025, that all construction on EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre Muslim-centric residential development near Josephine, has been halted. Spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) through its for-profit entity, Community Capital Partners, the project aimed to build over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, and commercial facilities. The state’s decision follows multiple investigations into alleged legal violations, including environmental, financial, and housing concerns.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that EPIC lacked required permits, prompting Abbott to order an immediate stop to any construction activities. The state has launched at least six probes, including criminal investigations by the Texas Rangers and inquiries into potential violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act. The U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating possible religious discrimination, following concerns raised by Senator John Cornyn about the project’s structure.
Critics, including Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have raised alarms over unsubstantiated claims of Sharia law implementation, fueling local opposition. Residents voiced concerns about infrastructure strain, traffic, and environmental impacts at a contentious Collin County meeting. EPIC’s attorney, Dan Cogdell, called the investigations Islamophobic, noting no construction has begun and the project complies with all laws. EPIC emphasizes its vision for an inclusive community open to all backgrounds.
The halt has divided opinions. Supporters of the ban argue it protects Texas laws and community cohesion, while Muslim leaders and civil rights groups decry it as discriminatory. As legal battles loom, the future of EPIC City remains uncertain, reflecting broader tensions over faith-based developments in the U.S.
