Texas Governor Greg Abbott has halted development of a controversial Muslim-focused community in East Plano, launching multiple state investigations amid concerns over permit violations and Sharia law implementation, while project organizers insist they will comply with all state and federal regulations.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Abbott ordered investigations into the proposed EPIC City development by 12 state agencies and the Texas Attorney General, citing concerns about Sharia law.
- The 402-acre project would include over 1,000 homes, a mosque, faith school, community college, and sports facilities, developed by the East Plano Islamic Center.
- Abbott claims environmental permits are missing and construction must cease, though developers say no construction has begun and the project is still in planning stages.
- Developers have hired attorney Dan Cogdell who accuses Abbott of spreading misinformation that has resulted in death threats against project organizers.
- The dispute reflects broader tensions over religious communities, with Abbott citing a 2017 Texas law prohibiting Sharia practices.
Abbott’s Intervention and State Investigations
Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized substantial state resources to investigate the proposed EPIC City development in Collin and Hunt counties. A dozen state agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Rangers, are now examining various aspects of the project spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center. Abbott has also directed Attorney General Ken Paxton to investigate potential legal violations and has suggested new legislation might be needed to restrict such developments and prevent “foreign adversaries” from purchasing Texas land.
Abbott has specifically ordered developers to cease any construction activities, citing findings from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that the project lacks required permits. He has given project organizers seven days to confirm they are halting what he termed their “illegal project” or face legal consequences. Though developers maintain no actual construction has begun, as the project remains in preliminary planning stages.
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
Project Details and Developer Response
EPIC City is planned as a 402-acre development that would include more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, faith-based schools, a community college, shopping centers, and sports facilities. The East Plano Islamic Center and associated developers have emphasized their intention to create an inclusive, diverse community that would contribute positively to Texas and the nation. Community Capital Partners, which manages the project, has stated they will adhere to the Fair Housing Act and ensure no discrimination based on religion in the community.
In response to increasing scrutiny, the developers have hired attorney Dan Cogdell, who has forcefully denied allegations about Sharia law implementation. Cogdell has accused the governor of spreading false information that has resulted in death threats against the developers and the East Plano Islamic Center. He has invited state officials to verify facts directly with the development team rather than relying on rumor or speculation about the project’s intentions.
“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.
Legal Battles and Permit Disputes
At the center of the controversy are claims by Governor Abbott that the development lacks necessary environmental permits. “The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction. They must confirm within seven days that they are immediately ceasing any construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law. The state of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates,” insisted Abbott.
Abbott’s most controversial claim focuses on the potential implementation of Sharia law within the community. Referencing a 2017 Texas law he signed prohibiting Sharia practices in the state, Abbott has declared, “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.” EPIC representatives have consistently denied any intention to establish Sharia governance, insisting they will comply fully with all state and federal laws.
Community Reaction and Broader Implications
The proposed development has generated strong reactions from local residents and across the state. Public meetings about the project have drawn large crowds expressing both support and opposition. Critics worry about potential isolation of the community and implications for local governance, while supporters see the opposition as stemming from religious bias rather than genuine regulatory concerns. Cogdell has bluntly stated his belief that the project is facing obstacles because of religious discrimination.
The conflict highlights tensions between religious freedom, community development, and state oversight. Abbott’s supporters view his intervention as protecting traditional Texas values and upholding constitutional principles, while opponents question whether the extensive scrutiny would be applied to projects associated with other faith communities. As the investigations proceed and potential legal challenges emerge, the EPIC City project remains in limbo, with its ultimate fate uncertain amid the escalating political and legal battle.
