Screenshot: Epic CCP / Youtube
| Published May 12, 2025
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the immediate halt of all construction activities related to the proposed EPIC City development near Josephine, Texas. The 402-acre project, spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its for-profit entity, Community Capital Partners, aimed to establish a master-planned community featuring residential housing, educational institutions, senior living facilities, and recreational amenities.
The proposed EPIC City, a 402-acre development spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its for-profit entity, Community Capital Partners, aims to establish a master-planned community featuring residential housing, educational institutions, senior living facilities, and recreational amenities.
Governor Abbott’s decision follows the initiation of multiple state-level investigations into the project, including criminal inquiries. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction. Abbott stated, “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.”
According to the press release:
Governor Abbott and the State of Texas continue to take action to uphold the rule of law and defend Texas communities from any threats posed by EPIC:
- Texas Rangers are investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for potential criminal activities
- Texas Workforce Commission is investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for potential discrimination in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act
- Texas State Securities Board is investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for potential financial harm to Texans
- Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering EPIC to immediately stop all illegal funeral service operations
- Attorney General of Texas is investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws
Last week, the Governor announced that a dozen state agencies are investigating potential illegal activities conducted by EPIC and its affiliated entities.
In addition to state investigations, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a federal civil rights investigation into the proposed Muslim-centered planned community, following a request by Texas Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn raised concerns that the development could potentially discriminate against Christians and Jews and impose Islamic law.
EPIC and its legal representatives have denied these accusations, stating that the community will be inclusive and compliant with all laws. They argue that the scrutiny stems from anti-Muslim bias and have emphasized their commitment to creating a diverse and harmonious community.
Implications of Texas Halting EPIC City Construction (Conservative Perspective)
1. Upholding State Sovereignty and Rule of Law:
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Enforcing Regulations: Texas’ decision to halt the EPIC City project demonstrates a strong commitment to enforcing state laws and regulations, particularly regarding land use and environmental compliance.
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Governor Abbott’s Leadership: Governor Greg Abbott’s swift action reinforces his image as a leader who prioritizes transparency, accountability, and law enforcement.
2. Protecting Community Values:
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Concerns Over Sharia Law: Conservatives view the halt as a necessary measure to prevent any potential imposition of Sharia law, which they argue could conflict with American constitutional principles.
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Defending Religious Freedom: By investigating the project, Texas is seen as defending the rights of all religious groups, ensuring that no single community can impose its beliefs on others.
3. Safeguarding Property Rights and Local Control:
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Ensuring Fair Development Practices: The halt prevents any group, religious or otherwise, from bypassing standard state and local procedures for large-scale developments.
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Transparency for Residents: Local communities are protected from having a major project imposed on them without proper disclosures, hearings, and regulatory compliance.
4. Highlighting Federal Overreach Concerns:
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Opposition to DOJ Involvement: Conservatives may view the Department of Justice’s civil rights investigation as an example of federal overreach, potentially targeting Texas for taking a stand against an improperly authorized project.
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State vs. Federal Authority: The situation could become a battleground for state rights, with Texas asserting its authority over local zoning and development issues against federal interference.
5. Broader Cultural and Political Impact:
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Energizing Conservative Base: The halt aligns with conservative values of protecting traditional American culture and resisting what they see as efforts to create isolated, religiously-driven enclaves.
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Potential Backlash: Critics may accuse conservatives of targeting the Muslim community, but supporters argue that this is about enforcing laws and maintaining social cohesion.
Overall Takeaway:
Texas’ decision to halt construction of the proposed EPIC City, a Muslim-centered development project, underscores the state’s commitment to enforcing laws and maintaining transparency in large-scale developments. Governor Greg Abbott’s intervention highlights conservative values of state sovereignty, community protection, and the prevention of any perceived attempts to impose Sharia law. While supporters see this as a victory for local control and the rule of law, critics argue that the move unfairly targets the Muslim community. The controversy reflects broader tensions between religious freedom, state authority, and federal oversight.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Texas Halts 402-Acre Sharia Law-Linked Muslim Community Development Amid Multiple Criminal Investigations
NEWSWEEK – Greg Abbott Says All Construction Halted for Muslim ‘EPIC City’
HOUSTON CHRONICLE – Abbott launches blitz to stop Islamic master-planned community amid uproar from right-wing activists
AP NEWS – Sen. Cornyn of Texas says federal probe started into Muslim-centered community near Dallas
FOX 4 NEWS – North Texas faith leaders condemn Abbott’s EPIC City investigations
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