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2d ago

DOJ Launches Civil Rights Probe Into Texas Muslim-Led EPIC City Development

Construction remains halted as federal and state investigations continue over allegations of religious discrimination and legal violations, which developers and advocacy groups strongly deny.

Left: Greg Abbott speaks during a bill signing in the State Capitol on April 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Right: concept art of EPIC city.
FILE - Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, speaks during a Senate Finance Committee hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
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Overview

  • The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into EPIC City, a proposed 400-acre development near Dallas led by the East Plano Islamic Center
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that all construction on the project is paused due to multiple state and federal investigations, including criminal and fair housing probes.
  • State officials, including Sen. John Cornyn, allege the development could impose Sharia law and discriminate against non-Muslims, claims developers and advocacy groups call baseless and Islamophobic.
  • EPIC City plans include over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K–12 school, a community college, senior living facilities, and recreational areas, with developers pledging full legal compliance.
  • The Council on American-Islamic Relations and project representatives have condemned the investigations as politically motivated attacks on religious freedom and Muslim-led initiatives.