Texas Governor Greg Abbott has intervened to halt a proposed Islamic-focused residential development near Plano, citing legal violations and security concerns as tensions rise over religious freedoms and state authority.
At a Glance
- Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the proposed EPIC City project led by a Muslim community group
- State officials claim developers failed to submit key permits and may be operating illegally
- Abbott raised concerns over Sharia law and “no-go zones,” which organizers firmly deny
- Developers say the project aligns with the Fair Housing Act and accuse the governor of racial profiling
- The development faces possible lawsuits, new legislation, and continued state scrutiny
Project Overview
An ambitious plan to create a self-sustaining Muslim-majority neighborhood in East Plano, Texas, has been abruptly derailed following direct intervention by Governor Greg Abbott. The 402-acre development, known as EPIC City, was backed by the East Plano Islamic Center and designed to include homes, schools, businesses, and places of worship for a tight-knit faith-based community.
Despite organizers’ assurances that the project welcomed diversity and complied with all relevant housing laws, Abbott responded with force. Citing potential legal violations and alleged links to foreign adversaries, the governor ordered multiple state agencies to investigate the site and its backers.
Concerns raised by Abbott included fears of the creation of “no-go zones” and implementation of Sharia law, a claim the developers vehemently deny. “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.
State Intervention
The backlash has intensified scrutiny around the EPIC City project. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality concluded that the group behind the development failed to submit necessary construction permits. Abbott warned, “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.”
Developers have retained attorney Dan Cogdell, who criticized Abbott for spreading misinformation and inflaming racial tensions. “It’s because they’re Muslim. It’s just that simple,” Cogdell told CBS News. He added, “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.”
Watch coverage of Abbott’s crackdown on EPIC City.
Unclear Future
The legal status of the project remains unclear as developers seek to revise their plans while complying with both federal and state law. Abbott’s warning has already inspired legislators to consider new laws targeting land development by foreign groups and faith-based collectives.
According to Newsweek, the state’s approach to EPIC City is part of a broader strategy to limit influence from “foreign adversaries” in Texas land ownership and governance. Critics argue that such rhetoric unjustly targets U.S. citizens who practice Islam and want to live according to shared cultural values.
“These aren’t foreign adversaries. These are Texans. These are Americans. These are United States citizens,” Cogdell emphasized.
Community Capital Partners, the group behind the project, insists it aims only to build a neighborhood centered on family and faith. “All they want to do is to build a community that allows them to live together with people who value family and faith,” Cogdell said.
As lawsuits and potential legislative changes loom, the EPIC City controversy underscores the growing cultural and political rift over how religious minorities are treated in state-driven land and zoning battles. Whether framed as a legal dispute or a constitutional flashpoint, the outcome will set precedent across Texas—and possibly the nation.
