Texas Governor Greg Abbott takes decisive action to halt a proposed Muslim-majority community in East Plano, citing Sharia law concerns and permit violations, while drawing accusations of religious profiling from project developers.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Abbott has ordered a dozen state agencies and the Texas Attorney General to investigate the East Plano Islamic Center’s “EPIC City” project, a proposed Muslim-focused development.
- The 402-acre project would include 1,000 homes, a mosque, faith school, community college, and shopping center, but currently lacks required environmental permits according to state officials.
- Abbott has referenced a 2017 Texas law banning Sharia law implementation as justification for halting the project, stating “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas.”
- Developers have hired attorney Dan Cogdell, who accuses Abbott of racial profiling and spreading misinformation that has led to death threats against project organizers.
- No actual construction has begun, as the project remains in preliminary planning and fundraising stages.
Governor’s Investigation and Legal Concerns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched a multi-agency investigation into the proposed “EPIC City” development in Collin and Hunt counties. The project, led by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), has drawn scrutiny from state officials who claim it violates multiple regulations. Abbott announced that twelve state agencies along with Attorney General Ken Paxton are examining the planned community, which would span 402 acres and feature housing, religious facilities, and commercial spaces.
“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,” stated Governor Abbott in his public announcement about the investigations.
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
Sharia Law Concerns vs. Community Vision
At the heart of the controversy are Abbott’s claims that the development could attempt to implement Sharia law, which he emphasized is prohibited under legislation he signed in 2017. “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 stated on social media platforms. The governor’s references to “no-go zones” suggest areas where state law enforcement might be restricted, though developers have not proposed such restrictions.
Project representatives have consistently denied these allegations. Community Capital Partners, the management company for the development, has publicly stated that they will fully comply with the Fair Housing Act, ensuring no discrimination based on religion. They describe EPIC City as a “well-integrated” neighborhood that would contribute positively to Texas and the nation. Dan Cogdell, the attorney hired by EPIC, has adamantly refuted claims about Sharia law implementation.
“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.
Accusations of Religious Profiling and Misinformation
EPIC’s representatives have countered Abbott’s actions with serious accusations. Cogdell has publicly stated that the governor’s opposition stems solely from the developers’ religious identity. He further claimed that false information spread by the governor has resulted in death threats against both the developers and the East Plano Islamic Center.
“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,” said Cogdell in his response to the governor’s allegations.
Cogdell has emphasized that the developers are not “foreign adversaries” as some have characterized them, but rather “Texans” and “Americans” with full United States citizenship. He has invited state officials to verify the facts directly rather than relying on what he considers inflammatory rhetoric that endangers community members. Despite the governor’s office alleging illegal activities, Cogdell notes they have provided no evidence of wrongdoing.
Current Status and Public Response
As tensions continue to mount, the EPIC City project remains in its preliminary stages, with planning firms involved confirming that no development has occurred yet. The project is still in fundraising and early planning phases, with designs subject to revision based on investor interest. According to developers, thorough assessments of prospective buyers would be conducted to ensure community compatibility, though they maintain the development would be open to people of all backgrounds under fair housing laws.
“Texas is a law-and-order state, and those scheming to evade law enforcement scrutiny must know justice is awaiting them,” Abbott stated, underscoring his administration’s commitment to enforcing state regulations.
Public reaction to the controversy has been divided. Supporters of Abbott view his intervention as defending traditional Texas values and upholding constitutional principles. Critics see the governor’s actions as overreach targeting a specific religious community without substantive evidence of wrongdoing. Local community members have attended public meetings about the development, expressing varied concerns about potential impacts on the area.
