Abbott Takes Aim at Proposed ‘Muslim City’ in Hunt County
March 25, 2025 – In February 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed concerns regarding the proposed development of EPIC City, a 402-acre planned community near Josephine, Texas, initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The project envisions over 1,000 residential units centered around a mosque and an Islamic school, aiming to serve the local Muslim population. Upon learning about the development, Governor Abbott expressed opposition, stating that “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no go zones’ which this project seems to imply.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said “a dozen state agencies” in the Lone Star State, along with Attorney General Ken Paxton, are investigating plans by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) to create a new Islamic focused settlement dubbed “EPIC City” in Collin and Hunt counties.
The proposal has sparked debate among residents and officials. Critics argue that such a development could function as an exclusionary enclave, potentially operating under Islamic law and not assimilating with broader American values. In response to these concerns, Community Capital Partners, managing the project, emphasized their commitment to complying with the Fair Housing Act, ensuring no discrimination in housing based on religion or other protected characteristics. They stated they would conduct thorough assessments of prospective buyers to maintain community safety and security.
Yasir Qadhi, a representative of the project, clarified that EPIC City is not intended to be isolated from the wider community, stating, “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.” Despite these assurances, the project continues to face scrutiny from both state officials and local residents.
The situation underscores ongoing debates in Texas regarding religious freedom, community integration, and the application of foreign legal codes within the state. Governor Abbott’s firm stance reflects existing state laws that prohibit the application of foreign legal codes, including Sharia law, in Texas courts. As discussions progress, the future of the EPIC City project remains uncertain, highlighting the complexities of balancing cultural development with state regulations and community concerns.
