DOJ Opens Investigation into Controversial Texas Muslim Development EPIC City

JOSEPHINE, Texas — The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the proposed EPIC City development, a Muslim-centric community in Collin County.

This action follows concerns raised by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who announced that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi is spearheading the investigation. Cornyn expressed fears that the development could potentially discriminate against Jewish and Christian residents.

“Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State. Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted,” Cornyn said in a statement.

EPIC City is being developed by Community Capital Partners, linked to the East Plano Islamic Center. The planned community covers over 400 acres and aims to feature more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, schools, parks, and retail spaces. However, state officials, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, have raised alarms regarding the project’s legality.

Dan Cogdell, the lawyer representing Community Capital Partners, has called the investigations a product of racial profiling. He asserted, “We have done nothing illegal and we will fully cooperate with all investigations, regardless of how misguided they may be.”

At a recent public meeting, many attendees voiced their opposition to EPIC City, citing concerns about fair housing and possible religious discrimination. Some speakers feared that the community’s development would enforce Islamic law.

The controversy began when EPIC City announced plans to limit property sales to individuals deemed suitable for the community, which Cornyn viewed as a potential violation of the Fair Housing Act. Additionally, the Texas Funeral Service Commission and other state agencies have launched multiple investigations into the practices of the mosque and development.

In response to the state’s inquiries, Cornyn urged the DOJ to act swiftly and mentioned that he is grateful for the DOJ’s involvement. He emphasized that any hint of religious-based discrimination in housing is a violation of constitutional rights.

The ongoing scrutiny has raised significant discourse regarding the treatment of Muslim communities in Texas, with the Council on American-Islamic Relations questioning the motives behind the investigations. They labeled Sen. Cornyn’s remarks as factually baseless and indicative of Islamophobia.

The outcomes of these investigations remain to be seen, as both local authorities and the DOJ continue to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding the EPIC City project.