Governor Greg Abbott announced that all construction activities related to the proposed EPIC City development near Josephine, Texas, have been halted.
This action follows the initiation of multiple state-level investigations into the project, including criminal inquiries.
“Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City. There is no construction taking place,” Governor Abbott said on Sunday. “The state of Texas has launched about a half dozen investigations into this project. That includes criminal investigations.”
Abbott continued, “And the US Department of Justice is also investigating. This matter, and similar matters, are taken very seriously, and actions are being taken to address all concerns.”
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.
ALERT: EPIC CITY TEXAS
Islamists are still building their Sharia law 400 acre city. Texans need to be aware. Islam does not assimilate.
We have been given a heads up that the Developer of the Mega Muslim City in Josephine TX is fighting to have locals cover the cost of ALL… pic.twitter.com/C714kb5gkw
— John Ferguson (@JohnnyWhiskyTX) May 11, 2025
However, concerns have been raised regarding the project’s compliance with state laws.
Last month, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to initiate a criminal investigation into EPIC and its affiliated entities for potential illegal activities.
“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction,” said Governor Abbott.
“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. The State of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates.”
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.
At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into the EPIC City project following a request from U.S. Senator John Cornyn.
Senator Cornyn expressed concerns that the development could potentially discriminate against non-Muslims, such as Christians and Jews.
.@AGPamBondi notified me that @TheJusticeDept is opening an investigation in response to my request into the proposed EPIC City development in North TX. Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no home in Texas.
Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted, and… https://t.co/fSSOC05iOH
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 9, 2025
In response to the investigations, EPIC’s legal counsel, Dan Cogdell, stated that the project complies with all laws and is being unfairly targeted due to the developers’ religion. He emphasized that similar scrutiny would not occur if the project were based around a church or temple.
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