EPIC City: A Muslim-Centric Development in Texas

The proposed development of EPIC City in Texas has sparked widespread debate, drawing scrutiny from state officials, federal investigators, and local residents. This ambitious project, led by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its nonprofit arm, Community Capital Partners (CCP), aims to create a 402-acre Muslim-centric community near Josephine, Texas, about 40 miles northeast of Dallas. Featuring over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, a community college, and various amenities, EPIC City is envisioned as a diverse and inclusive neighborhood catering to the growing Muslim population in North Texas.

However, the project has faced significant pushback, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and others alleging potential legal violations and the imposition of Sharia law. Despite these claims, the developers insist they are committed to following all state and federal laws, positioning EPIC City firmly within the protections of the First Amendment. This article delves into the project’s details, the surrounding controversy, and the legal framework that supports its existence, emphasizing that compliance with the law aligns it with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.

The Vision of EPIC City

EPIC City is a bold initiative spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center, one of the largest mosques in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Managed by Community Capital Partners, the project seeks to establish a residential and commercial hub that integrates Muslim community needs with broader inclusivity. The development plan includes:

Over 1,000 homes ranging from single-family residences to townhomes.

A mosque to serve as the spiritual center of the community.

Educational facilities, including a K-12 faith-based school and a community college.

Additional amenities, such as parks, commercial spaces, and recreational areas.

The project also encompasses two adjacent developments, EPIC Ranches One and Two, offering larger lots and townhomes. To secure a spot in EPIC City, investors purchase an $80,000 share in CCP, which is later credited toward a home purchase, while the ranches require a $30,000 earnest money deposit. The initiative has garnered significant interest, with over 500 lots reportedly reserved shortly after its announcement in early 2025. However, as of May 2025, EPIC City remains in the planning phase, with no construction underway or permit applications submitted.

CCP describes the development as a “Muslim neighborhood” that is “well integrated” into the surrounding community, emphasizing inclusivity and harmony. EPIC’s resident scholar, Yasir Qadhi, has highlighted the project’s goal of providing a space where Muslims can live near their place of worship while welcoming residents of all backgrounds.

Political and Social Backlash

EPIC City has encountered fierce opposition, particularly from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has framed the project as a potential threat to state sovereignty. In February 2025, Abbott posted on social media, “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no go zones’ which this project seems to imply.” These remarks echoed conservative commentators who labeled EPIC City a “Sharia city,” despite the developers’ repeated assurances that no such legal framework would be imposed.

The governor’s rhetoric has spurred action:

State Investigations:

In March 2025, Abbott announced that the Texas Rangers were investigating EPIC and its affiliates for unspecified “criminal activities.” The Texas Workforce Commission also launched a probe into potential violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act, while the Texas State Securities Board and Texas Funeral Service Commission have initiated their own inquiries, the latter issuing a cease-and-desist letter over an alleged unlicensed funeral home.

Environmental Oversight:

In April 2025, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) warned EPIC and CCP that construction without proper permits would violate state law. Abbott later claimed that Texas had “halted” construction, though developers clarified that no building had begun.

Federal Involvement:

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate, citing concerns that EPIC City might exclude Jewish and Christian residents, potentially violating their constitutional rights. The DOJ opened a civil rights investigation in May 2025, though specifics remain undisclosed.

Local residents have also voiced concerns, focusing on practical issues like traffic, water supply, and emergency services in Josephine, a small town of just over 2,000 that has seen rapid growth in recent years. While these worries are legitimate for any large development, some opposition has veered into baseless claims about Sharia law and terrorism, amplifying the controversy.

The First Amendment and Fair Housing Act

The core question surrounding EPIC City is whether it is legally permissible under U.S. law, particularly the First Amendment, which guarantees the free exercise of religion. This constitutional protection extends to establishing faith-based communities, a practice well-established across the country with Christian retirement villages, Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, and similar developments.

Constitutional Protections

The First Amendment states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This clause safeguards EPIC City’s right to exist as a Muslim-centric community, provided it adheres to applicable laws. The government cannot interfere with religious practices or developments unless there is a compelling state interest—such as public safety or legal violations—supported by clear evidence. So far, no concrete proof has emerged to substantiate claims of illegality against EPIC City.

Fair Housing Act Compliance

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination in housing based on religion, race, or other protected categories. EPIC City must therefore be open to residents of all faiths, a commitment CCP has repeatedly affirmed. In a February 2025 statement, the developers said they “will not enforce blanket bans on any group of people” but will conduct “thorough individualized assessments” of prospective buyers to ensure alignment with community goals of safety and security. As long as these assessments do not target protected characteristics, they comply with the FHA, which allows private entities to set criteria for community membership within legal bounds.

Legal expert Dan Cogdell, representing the developers, has argued that the intense scrutiny EPIC City faces reflects Islamophobia rather than legitimate legal concerns. He points out that Christian or Jewish developments rarely encounter similar opposition, underscoring the equal protection owed to all religious groups under the law.

Precedents and Comparisons

The U.S. has a rich history of faith-based communities operating within legal frameworks:

Christian Communities:

Developments like Ave Maria, Florida, founded by Catholic philanthropist Tom Monaghan, blend religious identity with residential living.

Jewish Enclaves:

Neighborhoods like Kiryas Joel, New York, cater to Orthodox Jewish residents while remaining open to broader populations.

These examples illustrate that EPIC City’s Muslim focus is not an anomaly but part of a broader American tradition. As long as it follows zoning, environmental, and housing laws, its religious character is constitutionally protected.

Addressing Local Concerns

Beyond the political and legal debates, Josephine residents have raised valid logistical concerns about EPIC City’s impact:

Infrastructure:

Over 1,000 new homes could strain rural roads, water systems, and emergency services.

Environmental Impact:

The TCEQ’s involvement highlights the need for proper permits to address potential ecological effects.

Growth Management:

Josephine’s population surged by 234% from 2020 to 2023, making careful planning essential for any new development.

These issues are not unique to EPIC City and can be mitigated through collaboration between developers, local authorities, and regulatory agencies. Transparent planning and permit compliance will be critical to ensuring the project benefits both residents and the region.

A Path Forward

EPIC City’s future hinges on balancing constitutional rights with community responsibilities. If the developers follow the law—as they have pledged to do—the project falls squarely within First Amendment protections. To navigate the controversy and move forward, several steps are recommended:

Community Engagement:

CCP should hold public forums to address resident concerns about infrastructure and clarify the project’s inclusive nature, fostering goodwill and transparency.

Regulatory Compliance:

Obtaining all necessary permits from the TCEQ and other agencies will demonstrate adherence to state and federal standards, preempting legal challenges.

Countering Misinformation:

EPIC and CCP must continue debunking claims of Sharia law or exclusivity, reinforcing their commitment to U.S. law and openness to all.

Balanced Oversight:

State and federal investigations should focus on evidence-based findings rather than political posturing, ensuring fair treatment under the law.