Texas Governor Comments On Building Project Outside Of The Dallas Area
The state of Texas has made a decisive and controversial move by halting all construction on the proposed “EPIC City,” a sprawling residential development outside Dallas that had drawn national scrutiny over allegations it would operate under Islamic law and cater exclusively to Muslim residents.
Governor Greg Abbott announced on X (formerly Twitter) that construction has ceased entirely and that the state has launched multiple investigations—both civil and criminal—into the project. Notably, the U.S. Department of Justice is also reportedly probing the matter.
The idea behind EPIC City appeared to be a bold one: a self-contained, master-planned community centered around Islamic values and supported by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). But for critics, that concept raised alarm bells about religious discrimination, constitutional violations, and the possibility of parallel legal systems taking root on American soil.
Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City.
There is no construction taking place.
The state of Texas has launched about a half dozen investigations into this project.
That includes criminal investigations.
And, the US Department of justice is also investigating.… https://t.co/5NDbOkzxTL
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 11, 2025
Texas Senator John Cornyn didn’t mince words when he sounded the alarm in Washington, labeling the initiative a form of “religious settlement” and calling on federal authorities to examine whether Christians, Jews, or other non-Muslims would be afforded equal protection and fair treatment within the proposed enclave. Cornyn’s concerns drew attention to a deeper, ongoing debate: where does religious freedom end, and where does discrimination begin?
Abbott’s decision comes against the backdrop of broader concerns about religious and cultural enclaves in Texas, with Colony Ridge—a separate housing development outside Houston—becoming a flashpoint for criticism due to alleged spikes in crime and the presence of undocumented immigrants. That community too is now under investigation, drawing comparisons to EPIC City’s ambitions and the political firestorm surrounding them.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has doubled down, announcing his office’s investigation into communications between the East Plano Islamic Center and local governments in Plano, Richardson, and Wylie.
“If any local official is supporting or communicating with a real estate development that is under investigation for potential violations of state law, then it’s imperative that we are made aware of exactly what’s being communicated,” Paxton stated.
The investigations will reportedly look into whether EPIC City’s housing policies would violate Texas’ fair housing laws by excluding people based on religion—a move that would be in direct conflict with both state and federal anti-discrimination statutes.
According to Abbott, a dozen state agencies are already examining the legality of the proposed development’s guidelines, particularly around whether home sales or rentals would be denied to non-Muslims.