Jewish and Muslim Leaders Condemn Texas Governor’s Investigations Into EPIC City at Press Conference
Jewish and Muslim community leaders in North Texas held a joint press conference on Tuesday, April 8, to denounce the ongoing state investigations into EPIC City, a proposed Muslim-centric development spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The leaders, joined by Christian clergy, accused Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton of promoting Islamophobia and misusing their authority to target the project. The interfaith coalition called for an end to what they described as baseless probes that threaten religious freedom and community safety.
Representatives from CAIR, Jewish Voice for Peace, and local Christian organizations attended the press conference, which was held at the North Texas Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) office. They highlighted the growing backlash against EPIC City, which has been subjected to multiple investigations ordered by Abbott and Paxton.
What Is EPIC City?
EPIC City is a planned 402-acre development in unincorporated Collin and Hunt counties, approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas near Josephine, Texas. The project includes plans for a mosque, over 1,000 single- and multi-family homes, a K-12 faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and a community college.
The East Plano Islamic Center initiated the project to meet the needs of the region's growing Muslim population. Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at EPIC, previously explained that the development aims to create an inclusive neighborhood that integrates Islamic values while serving the broader community.
Despite these intentions, EPIC City has faced intense scrutiny since its announcement. Governor Abbott has accused the project of promoting "Sharia law" and labeled it a "Sharia city," claims that have been widely criticized as unfounded.
State Investigations Spark Outrage
Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton have launched at least five investigations into EPIC City through various state agencies. These include probes into alleged Texas Fair Housing Act violations, potential financial harm to investors, consumer protection violations, and unlicensed funeral services. A criminal investigation was also announced last week.
Abbott has accused EPIC City of being linked to "foreign adversaries" buying land in Texas. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR’s Dallas-Fort Worth office, condemned the investigations as politically motivated. “They pose a serious physical threat to the lives and safety of Muslim children, families, and communities in schools, homes, and spaces throughout North Texas and statewide,” Carroll said.
Interfaith Solidarity
Jewish Voice for Peace representative Deb Armintor supported the Muslim community during the press conference. “As Jews opposed to racism and hatred in every form, we stand firmly with our Muslim siblings and neighbors,” Armintor stated. “Any affront to them is an affront to us.”
Christian leaders also joined the call for justice. Reverend David Smith emphasized that targeting one religious group undermines the principles of religious freedom enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. “We cannot allow fearmongering to dictate policy or divide our communities,” Smith said.
The interfaith coalition argued that the investigations into EPIC City reflect broader patterns of discrimination against Muslims in Texas. They called on state officials to cease their actions immediately and focus on fostering inclusivity.
Community Concerns Over Safety
The heightened scrutiny surrounding EPIC City has raised concerns about safety within North Texas’s Muslim community. Carroll warned that inflammatory rhetoric from state officials could incite violence or harassment against Muslim residents.
“These baseless accusations have real consequences,” Carroll said. “They embolden those who wish to harm our communities.”
EPIC representatives have reported receiving threats since Governor Abbott publicly criticized the project earlier this year. Local mosques have also faced vandalism and protests in recent months.
Funeral Services Controversy
One of the state’s investigations involves allegations that EPIC was operating funeral services without proper licensing. Last month, the Texas Funeral Service Commission issued a cease-and-desist order demanding that EPIC halt all funeral-related activities.
CAIR representatives dismissed these claims as part of a broader campaign against EPIC City. “This is not about compliance; it’s about targeting Muslims under the guise of legal oversight,” Carroll asserted.
Background on Islamophobia in Texas
The controversy over EPIC City comes amid rising Islamophobia in Texas and nationwide. According to CAIR’s 2024 Civil Rights Report, anti-Muslim incidents increased by 7% last year compared to 2023. These incidents include hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and government surveillance.
Governor Abbott has faced criticism in the past for his rhetoric regarding Muslims. In 2015, he opposed Syrian refugee resettlement in Texas, citing concerns about terrorism—a stance widely condemned by civil rights groups as discriminatory.
EPIC’s Vision for Inclusivity
Despite significant opposition, EPIC leaders remain committed to their vision for an inclusive community development project. In December 2024, Qadhi described EPIC City as a response to growing demand for housing and services tailored to North Texas’s diverse population.
“We need more space,” Qadhi said at the time. “Dallas is now known to be a hub of people of our faith coming not just to the city but specifically to our mosque.”
The first phase of EPIC City sold out within days of its announcement last year. If it proceeds without further delays, the project is expected to take over a decade to complete.
Calls for Accountability
At Tuesday’s press conference, interfaith leaders urged Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton to immediately end their investigations into EPIC City. They also called on other state officials to hold Abbott accountable for what they described as abuse of power.
“This is not just about one project; it’s about protecting religious freedom for all Texans,” Armintor said.
The coalition plans to organize additional events in support of EPIC City in the coming weeks. It is also exploring legal options to challenge what it sees as discriminatory actions by state authorities.
Future perspective
As tensions surrounding EPIC City continue to escalate, its future remains uncertain. While state officials show no signs of backing down from their investigations, community leaders are determined to fight back against what they view as an attack on religious freedom.
For now, EPIC City stands as both a symbol of hope for North Texas’s Muslim community and a flashpoint in broader debates over Islamophobia and civil rights in America. The outcome of this controversy could have lasting implications for interfaith relations and community development efforts across the state.