EPIC City Dallas Anti-Muslim Campaign
A coordinated campaign by Texas state officials against EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre master-planned residential community initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) near Josephine in Collin County, Texas. Governor Greg Abbott directed Texas Rangers to open a criminal investigation and signed HB 4211 targeting the project. Attorney General Ken Paxton filed lawsuits alleging securities fraud, despite the Texas State Securities Board finding no violations. The DOJ opened and closed an investigation within one month, finding no basis to continue. Civil rights organizations have condemned the actions as religious discrimination against Muslim Americans.
Timeline
March 20, 2026
Paxton Continues Push to Block Development
AG Paxton continues urging local officials not to approve permits for the development, now rebranded as The Meadow.
SourceFebruary 13, 2026
HUD Opens Fair Housing Review
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development opened a review into potential Fair Housing Act violations related to the EPIC City project.
December 5, 2025
Paxton Files Lawsuits Against EPIC
AG Ken Paxton filed two lawsuits against EPIC, Community Capital Partners, and its leaders, alleging securities fraud and an illegal land development scheme. The Texas State Securities Board had previously determined the transactions did not constitute securities under Texas law, contradicting Paxton.
SourceNovember 1, 2025
Project Rebrands as The Meadow
Community Capital Partners rebranded EPIC City as The Meadow in an effort to move forward despite ongoing political opposition.
September 12, 2025
Abbott Signs HB 4211 Targeting Muslim Communities
Governor Abbott signed House Bill 4211, which he described as "banning Sharia compounds." The law removes religious exemptions from the Texas Fair Housing Act for organizations owning more than 25 acres. CAIR criticized the law as based on conspiracy theories.
SourceJune 13, 2025
DOJ Closes Investigation Finding No Violations
The DOJ closed its investigation into EPIC City after approximately one month. Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon confirmed developers affirmed all would be welcome in any future development.
May 9, 2025
DOJ Opens Investigation After Cornyn Request
Senator John Cornyn announced the DOJ had opened an investigation into EPIC City, after he sent a letter requesting a probe into potential religious discrimination claims.
SourceMarch 31, 2025
Abbott Directs Texas Rangers Criminal Investigation
Governor Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to open a criminal investigation into EPIC and affiliated entities, without specifying what laws may have been violated. He also directed multiple state agencies to investigate.
SourceMarch 1, 2025
Paxton Announces Investigation, Urges County to Reject Plans
AG Ken Paxton announced an investigation into EPIC City and sent a letter to Collin County Commissioners Court urging them to reject plat applications for the development.
SourceFebruary 24, 2025
Abbott Posts Opposition Referencing Sharia Law
Governor Abbott posted on X claiming "Sharia law is not allowed in Texas" and calling the project a "Sharia City," despite EPIC organizers repeatedly stating they will obey all state and federal laws. There is nothing on the project website referencing Sharia law or separate governance.
SourceFebruary 1, 2024
EPIC City Project Announced
The East Plano Islamic Center announced plans for a 402-acre master-planned community near Josephine, TX, including over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 school, senior housing, and commercial space. The project stemmed from the mosque running out of room.
Involved Profiles (3)
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