EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre development near Josephine, Texas—approximately 40 minutes northeast of Dallas—has sparked significant controversy since its announcement in 2024 by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The project, managed by Community Capital Partners, aims to create a Muslim-centric community featuring over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, a community college, retail shops, sports facilities, and senior housing. EPIC's resident scholar, Yasir Qadhi, has described it as a "role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated," emphasising that the development is open to all, regardless of religion, and will adhere to local, state, and federal laws. However, the project has faced intense scrutiny, multiple state investigations, and public backlash, highlighting deep tensions over cultural integration, religious freedom, and governance in Texas.
The controversy erupted in February 2025 when a promotional video by Qadhi garnered 1.5 million views on X, drawing nearly 2,000 comments, many of which were hostile. Commenters tagged Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, urging them to halt the project, with some alleging it would become a "Sharia city" or a "no-go zone" for non-Muslims. Governor Abbott responded swiftly on X, stating, "To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no go zones' which this project seems to imply. Bottom line: The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas." This set the tone for a series of state actions, including at least five investigations by March 2025. Abbott accused EPIC of potential violations, including operating a funeral home without a license, discriminating against non-Muslims in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act, and engaging in fraudulent financial practices. The Texas Workforce Commission, Texas State Securities Board, and Texas Rangers were among the agencies involved, with Abbott even ordering developers to confirm within seven days that they had ceased construction—despite developers clarifying that no construction had begun.
Public sentiment, as reflected in a Collin County Commissioners Court meeting on March 31, 2025, was sharply divided. Over four hours of public comments revealed deep concerns among some residents. Many feared the development would lead to segregation, with one speaker calling it "the height of insanity" to allow a "400-acre segregated city." Others raised practical concerns about water availability and traffic, while some expressedsentiments, repeating concerns about Sharia law and Muslim communities. A resident who had lived in Kuwait described it as an "open-air women's prison," questioning why EPIC needed a "behind-the-wall community." Conversely, supporters like Collin County resident Dylan Evans and Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani, the first Muslim elected official in Texas history, defended the project, arguing it was inclusive and aligned with religious freedom. Bhojani, a real estate attorney, noted that similar developments exist in North Texas without issue and suggested the backlash was discriminatory.
The developers have consistently denied any intent to impose Sharia law, with Community Capital Partners affirming their commitment to the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on religion. They clarified that while they would conduct "thorough individualised assessments of prospective buyers" to ensure alignment with community goals of "safety and security," there would be no blanket bans on any group. Despite these assurances, the project remains in limbo, with no permits filed as of April 2025, and the investigations ongoing. The controversy has also been amplified by broader political currents, including former President Donald Trump's recent executive order on vetting procedures for certain nations, many of which are Muslim-majority, reflecting a national climate of heightened scrutiny toward Muslim communities.
While the intentions behind EPIC City may be to create a supportive environment for Muslims, the concept of a religiously centred enclave raises significant concerns about cultural integration, legal consistency, and social cohesion in a diverse society like the United States. Such developments, even if well-meaning, risk fostering division and undermining the principles of a unified national identity.
First, enclaves like EPIC City can inadvertently promote segregation rather than integration. The United States has historically been a place where diverse groups coexist while adopting shared values and norms, feeding off a White majority. A community explicitly designed around one religious or cultural identity—especially one perceived as emphasising a distinct legal or moral framework like Sharia—can create a sense of "otherness," both for those within the enclave and those outside it. This is evident in the fears expressed by Josephine residents, who worry about being excluded or facing cultural clashes. For example, a resident at the Collin County meeting questioned whether she,with Jewish heritage, would feel safe flying a flag protesting Hamas near EPIC City. While the developers insist the community is open to all, the perception of exclusivity, fuelled by the project's Muslim-centric branding, risks alienating neighbours and deepening mistrust.
Second, the potential for parallel governance structures poses a legal challenge. Although EPIC has denied any intent to implement Sharia law, the fear that such a community could prioritise religious principles over state and federal laws is most likely. Sharia, as a moral and legal framework, varies widely in interpretation, but in its more conservative forms, it can conflict with U.S. laws, particularly on issues like gender equality, family law, and individual freedoms. The U.S. Constitution and state laws are designed to apply uniformly, ensuring equal treatment for all citizens. A community that even appears to prioritise a separate legal code undermines this principle, creating a slippery slope toward fragmentation. Texas has already passed laws to prevent the application of "foreign laws" in state courts, reflecting a broader concern about maintaining legal unity. The perception that EPIC City might challenge this unity, whether through governance, community rules, or cultural practices, fuels legitimate apprehension.
Third, such enclaves can exacerbate social tensions, particularly in a climate already rife with anti-White hatred created by the Biden administration. The backlash against EPIC City, is partly a reaction to the fear of isolationism. Comments at the Collin County meeting, where users referenced Dearborn, Michigan, as the "Jihad capital of America," highlight how enclaves can become lightning rods for broader cultural anxieties. The creation of a visibly separate community can amplify them, making it harder for Muslims to be seen as fully integrated members of American society. This is counterproductive to the stated goals of EPIC's leaders, who claim to want a "well-integrated" community. True integration would prioritise shared spaces and institutions over separate ones, fostering mutual understanding rather than division.
Finally, the practical implications of such a large development in a rural area like Josephine cannot be ignored. The town's population has grown rapidly, from 2,100 in 2000 to over 7,000 in 2023, and residents are already strained by infrastructure challenges. Concerns about water availability, traffic, and proximity to local schools are valid, as a 402-acre development with 1,000 homes could overwhelm local resources. These issues, while not directly tied to the religious nature of the project, compound the perception that EPIC City is imposing itself on an unwilling community, further fuelling resentment. It is then one more example of the Great Replacement.
While the East Plano Islamic Center has the right to create a community that supports its members' needs, the model of a religiously centred enclave like EPIC City risks more harm than good. It threatens to deepen cultural divides, challenge legal unity, and exacerbate social tensions in an already polarised climate. It is a warning of the failure of multiculturalism produced by mass immigration, and shows how parallel societies soon evolve when ethnic numbers increase and reach a critical mass.
Beware Australia, this is on your time track too!
https://michaeltsnyder.substack.com/p/for-paid-subscribers-muslims-want
"In Dearborn, Michigan the Islamic call to prayer is broadcast very loudly five times a day using enormous loudspeakers that can be heard all over the city. More than half of the population of Dearborn is now made up of people of Middle Eastern or North African ancestry, and more Muslims are arriving all the time.
Last month, the mayor of Paterson, New Jersey publicly declared that his city is the "capital of Palestine in the United States" and "the fourth holiest city in the world" during a celebration that marked the beginning of Ramadan. More than 30,000 Muslims now live in Paterson, and that enabled them to elect a Muslim as their mayor.
Now Muslims in Texas want to create a similar community just 40 miles away from Dallas.
"A New Jersey mayor declared that his city is the "capital of Palestine" and "the fourth holiest city in the world" during the kickoff to Ramadan last month, footage shows.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh made the remarks at a Feb. 28 Hilal Lighting Ceremony surrounded by other lawmakers and community leaders in the city with the highest Muslim population in the Garden State.
"I'm not the one who said it, but I heard people say that Paterson is probably the fourth most halal or holiest city in the world. Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina and Paterson, New Jersey," the 50-year-old Democrat said.
"Paterson is the capital of Palestine in the United States of America," he later added.
"Paterson, as I've stated before, is the fourth holiest city in the world: Jerusalem, Mecca, Medina and then Paterson, New Jersey."
Sayegh, who became Paterson's first Arab-American mayor when he was elected in 2018, rattled off ways the city has worked to celebrate Islamic traditions, including giving students off for religious holidays and presenting youngsters halal food options in schools.
He also claimed that Paterson was on the shortlist of holiest cities in the world.
Saudi Arabian cities Mecca and Medina are the sites of the Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque, respectively. With Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque, the three are considered the three holiest sites in Islam.
Kairouan, Tunisia is considered the fourth holiest city connected to Islam.
Ramadan is a holy month in which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset daily. The holiday started on Feb. 28 and will end on March 29.
Paterson has an estimated Muslim population of 30,000 out of the more than 150,000 residents that live in the city.
https://www.keranews.org/news/2025-04-02/epic-city-plano-muslim-community-investigations
"Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the developer of a proposed project aimed at supporting the Muslim community to stop construction — or face legal consequences.
But the builder says they aren't even close to starting.
It's just the latest development in the controversy over EPIC City, a project being developed by the East Plano Islamic Center that's been bombarded with negative attention online and at least five investigations from state officials.
Here's what you need to know about EPIC City, and the contentiousness surrounding it.
What is EPIC City?The 402-acre development would be in unincorporated Collin and Hunt counties roughly 40 miles northeast of Dallas near the city of Josephine, and would include a new mosque, more than 1,000 single and multi-family homes, a K-12 faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and a community college.
In an interview in December, Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the Plano mosque, said the idea for EPIC City came as the Muslim population continues to grow in the region.
"We need more space, and there are people coming from across the country," Qadhi said. "Dallas is now known to be a hub of people of our faith, coming not just to the city, but specifically to our mosque."
The first 450 plots sold out within days of its announcements on the mosque's website, Qadhi said.
He also said there's no external funding for any of the planned construction. Instead, people are purchasing shares to own a plot of land for future homes. In those purchases, there's a charge to help fund the construction of other buildings, like the mosque and school.
If the project goes through, it would take at least another decade to complete.
Investigations into EPICAbbott announced a criminal investigation into EPIC on Monday, marking the fifth active probe announced by state officials in about a week. But it's not clear what criminal statutes EPIC and its project developers could be violating.
The controversary began in February after a video promoting EPIC City went viral online. It almost immediately received backlash from commenters, including Abbott.
Abbott has repeatedly accused the project of promoting Sharia law and "Sharia cities" — referring to a body of religious laws that form parts of the Islamic traditions.
That same month, Texas Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, sent a letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting he look into EPIC.
Then came the first investigation, followed by three more ordered by Abbott in addition to the criminal probe.
The first four investigations include claims the project could be discriminating against non-Muslims in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act, along with alleging potential financial harm to investors, potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws, and operating illegal funeral services.
KERA News sent multiple requests for comment over the past week with a series of questions seeking to clarify Abbott's claims:
In a post on X, Abbott referred to "foreign adversaries" buying land, but did not elaborate. Is he referring to all Muslims and the East Plano Islamic Center as adversaries?
Abbott said the group could be misleading investors who've purchased land from EPIC City, but did not provide details as to how. What state and federal securities requirements are potentially being violated according to the governor?
Gov. Abbott says EPIC does not have a license to offer funeral services. But the mosque's website shows it partners with Rahma Funeral Homes to provide funeral services — which is licensed and has been since 2004, according to the state's Online Licensing System. What law is being broken by EPIC regarding how they operate funeral services?
With Monday's criminal investigation announced, what laws are being potentially broken, as none were specified in the press release?
The governor's office has not responded to those requests for comment as of Tuesday.
Imran Chaudhary, president of Community Capital Partners said in an email to KERA News last week the company will work with Paxton in the pending investigations.
"We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation circulated by many who are uninformed," Chaudhary said. "We look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way and educating the broader community about our project."
Early stagesAbbott on Tuesday ordered EPIC and its affiliates to cease construction, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Executive Director Kelly Keel wrote in a letter that despite "extensive permitting obligations," TCEQ hasn't any applications or documents for the project and is violating state law.
But during a public hearing at the Collin County Commissioners Court on Monday, David Kahloefer, the senior project manager on EPIC City, said the project is still in the analysis phase.
"We are looking at the options to prepare an application for TCEQ, but at this time we're still on our due diligence phase," he said.
Kahloefer said the group anticipates they'll file for permits with the county sometime later this year, but they aren't ready to move forward yet.
The developer, Community Capital Partners, has purchased the land and finished water and flood studies and is adapting plans based on those results.
Darrell Evans, the former Democratic candidate for Collin County Texas House District 89, told the county commissioners at the hearing the North Texas Muslim community is being unfairly targeted.
"In America, are we now spending tax dollars investigating ideas?" Evans said. "Is that where we are?"
Why are people upset?Some residents who live near where the development will be located said they were concerned how the development will impact local resources, including water availability, emergency services, roads and traffic.
In 2023, the population of Josephine grew by nearly 5,000 people – a 234% increase in the course of three years. Collin County is also experiencing a rapid population boom. The county's growth has strained resources. Local fire departments struggle to keep up with the demand for emergency services in unincorporated county areas.
But several speakers at the public hearing at Collin County commissioners' court Monday repeated stereotypes about the Muslim faith, including unfounded claims that the potential EPIC City residents would be affiliated with terrorist organizations.
Tasha Escoto told the commissioners she's not against inclusion, but she said the Muslim-oriented community goes against American "Christian values."
"I'm sick that this is even a consideration in Texas today," Escoto said. "We are a nation founded on Christian values. Why are we even allowing this? It used to be that something like this was called a cult, but today it's being called a community."
Samar Waqar, a Muslim woman who lives in Collin County, said those comments don't represent her faith, and said it isn't fair to generalize about the Muslim community based on stereotypes.
"My faith values are based on compassion and kindness, in welcoming everyone," she said. "There is no discrimination within our faith."
'An open community'Erin Ragsdale, a representative for Community Captial Partners, said at Monday's hearing anyone is welcome in EPIC City and that it's not exclusive to the Muslim community — a message the group has been emphasizing for months.
"Anybody who wants to buy a piece of land in this proposed masterplan community can buy one," Ragsdale said. "To build a house, to open a business, to build a school, to build a church, it is open to everyone, and their vision is to build an inclusive community for everyone."
Ragsdale said she believes reactions from the community may have looked different if the plans for the development were centered around a Christain place of worship.
Ragsdale added that the community is "proud to be Texans" — and Americans.
"They are excited about having the opportunity to develop a master-planned, family-centric community in Collin County," Ragsdale said.
"It's tough to stand here today and hear all the ideas and hypotheticals and backstory that people have."