Governor Greg Abbott has halted a controversial plan for a Muslim-focused community near East Plano, citing legal concerns and initiating investigations by multiple state agencies as tensions rise over allegations of Sharia law implementation.
Top Takeaways
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered 12 state agencies to investigate the proposed “EPIC City” development, citing permit violations and concerns about Sharia law.
- The project by East Plano Islamic Center planned for 1,000+ homes, a mosque, schools, and community facilities on a 402-acre site.
- Developers have hired attorney Dan Cogdell, who claims Abbott is spreading misinformation and engaging in religious discrimination.
- No construction has begun or permits applied for, though Abbott has issued a cease-construction order.
- The controversy highlights tensions between religious freedom and state regulations in Texas, where a 2017 law prohibits foreign law from superseding American legal systems.
Abbott Takes Decisive Action Against Proposed Islamic Development
Governor Greg Abbott has launched a multi-agency investigation into the proposed “EPIC City” development in Collin and Hunt counties. The project, backed by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), has drawn intense scrutiny from state officials concerned about legal compliance and the potential implementation of Sharia law. Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Rangers, and at least ten other state agencies to investigate the project, while also involving Attorney General Ken Paxton to examine potential legal violations.
Plans for the 402-acre development include more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, faith-based schooling facilities, a community college, and various commercial and recreational spaces. The governor has been vocal about his opposition to the project, which he suggests might create “no-go zones” or areas governed by religious rather than state law. Abbott emphasized his opposition in a statement that left little doubt about the state’s stance on the matter.
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
Legal Challenges and Permit Issues
Abbott’s intervention centers on allegations that the developers failed to obtain necessary environmental and construction permits. In a statement that has escalated tensions surrounding the project, the governor said, “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.”
However, representatives for the development maintain that no construction has begun, no permits have been applied for, and the project remains in preliminary planning and fundraising stages. This disparity has raised questions about the timing and motivation behind the state’s aggressive stance. The governor’s order to cease construction appears to target activities that have not yet commenced, according to project planners involved with the development.
Developers Fight Back Against Allegations
Facing mounting pressure and public scrutiny, the developers behind EPIC City have hired attorney Dan Cogdell to address what they characterize as misinformation. Cogdell has been outspoken in his criticism of the governor’s approach, suggesting that the opposition stems primarily from religious discrimination. The attorney has extended an invitation to state officials to verify facts about the project before making public statements that he claims have resulted in death threats against the developers.
“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.
Community Capital Partners, the organization managing the project, has stated they intend to comply with the Fair Housing Act, ensuring no discrimination based on religion. Project representatives describe their vision as a “well-integrated” Muslim neighborhood that would contribute positively to Texas and the United States. They emphasize plans for a diverse and inclusive community, with thorough assessments of prospective buyers to ensure alignment with community values.
Sharia Law Concerns at Center of Controversy
The governor has repeatedly emphasized that Sharia law is prohibited in Texas, referencing legislation he signed in 2017 that prevents foreign legal codes from superseding American legal systems. “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 firmly, framing his actions as a defense of Texas values and constitutional principles.
Project organizers consistently deny any intention to implement Sharia law, insisting that their development will fully comply with all state and federal regulations. Cogdell has characterized the developers as “Texans” and “Americans,” not “foreign adversaries,” challenging the narrative that the project represents an external threat to American values. The situation continues to evolve as both sides prepare for potential legal confrontations over the future of the development.
