Governor ABLAZES – Musk Community REJECTED!

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched a multi-agency investigation into a proposed Islamic-themed community development, declaring that “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas” as controversy mounts over religious freedom.

At a Glance

• The East Plano Islamic Center plans to build “EPIC City,” a Muslim-themed town on 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties
• Plans include over 1,000 houses, a mosque, faith-based schools, and other community facilities
• Governor Abbott has instructed 12 state agencies to investigate the project for “serious legal issues”
• Abbott has explicitly stated “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas,” while project leaders insist they will follow all U.S. and Texas laws
• The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) accuses Abbott and Attorney General Paxton of spreading “hateful misinformation”

State Officials Take Action Against Proposed Development

Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized an unprecedented response to a proposed Muslim community development in Texas. The project, dubbed “EPIC City” by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), would be built on 402 acres spanning Collin and Hunt counties. Abbott has directed a dozen state agencies to investigate the development, citing what he claims are potential legal violations. 

The Texas Attorney General’s office has issued a Civil Investigation Demand to Community Capital Partners, which oversees the project, while state authorities have already sent a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC regarding funeral home regulations.

The governor’s office has been direct in its opposition, with Abbott stating, “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas.” This stance has intensified the already heated debate surrounding the development. Attorney General Ken Paxton has joined the governor in expressing concerns, launching criminal probes into the project for allegedly conducting funeral services without proper authorization and potentially misleading investors. 

The swift and coordinated response from state leadership has raised questions about religious freedom and the state’s role in regulating faith-based communities.

Muslim Leaders Defend Community Vision

Leaders of the East Plano Islamic Center have pushed back against characterizations of their project as attempting to establish religious law in Texas. EPIC already operates a mosque in Plano that serves approximately 3,200 worshippers. 

The proposed development would expand their presence with residential housing and community facilities. Imam Nadim Bashir has publicly stated that the governor is creating unnecessary fear, emphasizing that the community has no intention of imposing Sharia law and will fully comply with all U.S. and Texas laws.

“EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated. We are not forming a cult. We’re not forming big barriers between the rest of society. We’re going to be giving back to this state and this country, and we’re going to be showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood.”, said Yasir Qadhi.

Community Capital Partners, the development group behind EPIC City, has stated they intend to adhere to the Fair Housing Act and would not enforce blanket bans on any group. The project is still in the preliminary planning stage, with no formal application submitted to local authorities. According to released information, the development would include over 1,000 houses, a mosque, faith-based school, community college, and various recreational facilities designed to create an integrated community where Islamic values are visible.

Rising Tensions and Public Response

The controversy has sparked intense public debate, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) accusing Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton of abusing their power and spreading misinformation. CAIR’s Texas branch reports an increase in civil rights complaints and Islamophobic attacks against Muslims in the state. The East Plano Islamic Center has reportedly received hate calls and death threats as public hearings and media coverage of the proposed development have intensified.

“We’ve seen an unprecedented increase in civil rights complaints and Islamophobic attacks against Muslims. Unfortunately, it has become common to seek to deny Muslims their civil rights, whether at school, at work or in the public square. Texas Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, rather than deescalating the situation, have chosen instead to add fuel to the fire by disseminating hateful misinformation about their Muslim constituents and Islam.”, said Mustafaa Carroll.

The governor’s press secretary has responded by labeling CAIR as “an antisemitic hate group,” further inflaming tensions. CAIR has issued statements condemning all forms of bigotry and violence against civilians. The dispute highlights the complex intersection of religious freedom, community development rights, and state authority in Texas. As investigations continue, the project remains in limbo while drawing national attention to questions about religious tolerance and constitutional protections for faith communities.