DOJ Investigates Potential Discrimination in Dallas Development Project

Dallas, Texas – The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into a planned development near Dallas following concerns raised by U.S. Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn announced the investigation by Attorney General Pam Bondi during a statement from his office, which came in response to potential discrimination against Jewish and Christian residents.

In a post on X, Cornyn emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted,” he stated. Attempts to reach the DOJ for further comment were unsuccessful.

The development, linked to the East Plano Islamic Center, aims to create a mixed-use community on 402 acres located about 30 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. The center’s members formed Community Capital Partners, the organization spearheading the project.

Dan Cogdell, the attorney representing the mosque and Community Capital Partners, remarked that the groups will fully cooperate with the investigation, which he described as misguided. “EPIC will cooperate fully with any and all investigations,” he said.

The planned project includes over 1,000 homes, a faith-based K-12 school, a mosque, elderly living facilities, clinics, retail shops, and sports fields, as previously reported by The Dallas Morning News. Construction on the developments has not yet commenced.

Earlier in April, Cornyn raised concerns that Community Capital Partners may be in violation of federal laws after the group indicated intentions to limit sales to buyers they deemed fit for the community. In addition, Cornyn suggested federal authorities review whether the developers follow regulations against enforcing sharia law. This moral code varies greatly among different Islamic communities.

Cornyn’s claims have faced backlash from both Community Capital Partners and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). CAIR accused the senator and Texas officials of engaging in “zoning harassment” and discriminatory practices.

In the background, multiple state investigations are already ongoing, with at least five state agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the Texas Attorney General’s office, probing the mosque and its development plans. Governor Greg Abbott noted that numerous state agencies are involved in these investigations.

Community Capital Partners has affirmed their commitment to complying with the Fair Housing Act and all relevant local, state, and federal laws. Cogdell stated that the groups have acted within legal boundaries and argued against what he sees as false narratives spread by public officials.

As this controversy unfolds, Cornyn, 73, is preparing for his reelection campaign for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 Republican primary.