Texas investigating ‘EPIC City,’ a proposed Muslim-centric community

• A proposed Muslim-centric housing development, “EPIC City,” has drawn opposition in Texas, facing criticism from local residents and state officials. The project is under multiple state investigations, with concerns over religious influence and fair housing laws.
• Gov. Greg Abbott spoke out against the project, and Texas agencies are investigating potential legal violations, including discrimination and financial harm.
• Supporters argue that the development is inclusive and lawful, but no official plans have been submitted, leaving the project’s future uncertain.

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A proposed Muslim-centric housing development near Dallas, Texas, faced significant opposition during a Collin County Commissioner’s meeting this week and is now under multiple state investigations.

The project, known as “EPIC City,” is still in its early stages, with no official builder plans submitted to the county. However, the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), the mosque behind the initiative, has a promotional video outlining its vision that has garnered attention.

What’s in the video?

According to the video, EPIC City aims to be a diverse and inclusive housing community.

“EPIC City — a housing community where we celebrate diversity and promote unity. Our community is designed to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all residents, regardless of their background.”

EPIC City Promotional Video

Despite this message of inclusivity, the project emphasizes Islam as a central aspect of its 400-acre development, which is planned to include homes, businesses and religious centers.

“EPIC City is more than just a neighborhood. It’s a way of life, a meticulously designed community that brings Islam to the forefront,” the video states.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone there. We ask Allah to help us complete this project.”

Gov. Abbott responds

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, took to social media platform X to express his disapproval of the project, stating:

“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. Bottom line. The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas.”

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.

Bottom line. The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas. https://t.co/5Sw5VdXD31

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 24, 2025

Public opposition at county meeting

For the first time, residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on EPIC City at a recent county commissioner’s meeting. The overwhelming majority spoke against the project.

“We all want safe, inclusive communities that require transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law. EPIC City fails on all three,” one resident said.

Another speaker expressed concerns over the potential for segregation.

“Our country has relentlessly fought against segregation. To allow a new group to claim and execute a 400-acre segregated city is the height of insanity. It is a violation of our fair housing laws,” they said.

Concerns about religious law were also raised.

“This Sharia law is so far away from our Constitution’s protection of inalienable rights and freedom of speech that it is totally incongruent with anything we can allow in the state of Texas,” one speaker said.

During the hours-long public comment session, only two residents spoke in support of the project.

“These individuals deserve fair treatment and real representation,” one resident said. “We must advocate for an inclusive Texas where everyone, regardless of race, religion and background, can thrive. It’s disappointing that these so-called Christians with American values are quick to abandon those values and the Constitution.”

State investigations launched

The state of Texas has initiated five separate investigations into EPIC City, the East Plano Islamic Center and the investment group “Community Capital Partners” (CCP), which was established by EPIC.

Abbott addressed these investigations, stating:

“The proposed EPIC compound in Collin County 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.”

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.

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) March 25, 2025

The Texas Rangers are investigating potential criminal activities linked to the project. Other agencies involved include:

• Texas Workforce Commission: Investigating potential discrimination violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act.
• Texas State Securities Board: Looking into potential financial harm to Texans.
• Texas Funeral Services Commission: Alleging that EPIC has been running illegal funeral service operations.

Support for EPIC City

Texas Democratic Rep. Salman Bhojani, the first Muslim elected official in Texas history, voiced support for the project and criticized the investigations.

Speaking to CBS News, he said, “I think this is just adding more fuel to the fire. I know a lot of developments in north Texas that exactly mimic [EPIC City]. So, there’s nothing illegal about that. This is something that we should be protecting in the state of Texas, not demonizing it.”

Developers reaffirm inclusivity

During the commissioner’s meeting, EPIC’s public relations representative, Erin Ragsdale, assured county leaders that the development would be open to everyone and comply with all legal requirements.

“The idea for EPIC City came from the vision of building a master-planned neighborhood for all generations,” Ragsdale said.Their vision is to build an inclusive community for everyone. I don’t think that we would be here today at this early stage if there were plans floating around for a master-planned community with a place of worship that was Christian.”

Community Capital Partners also released a statement to local news outlets, stating, “The project is still in the early planning phase, and no plans have been submitted to the county. CCP intends to follow all applicable rules, regulations and laws and intends to develop an inclusive community that all citizens can be proud of.”

No decisions made

Since no official plans for EPIC City have been submitted, the commissioners did not make any decisions regarding the project’s future. No additional hearings have been scheduled to discuss the development further.

For now, EPIC City remains an idea, and the organizations behind it remain under investigation.