Texas Muslim Housing Developments Spark Statewide Political Firestorm
A proposed 4-acre Muslim subdivision in Parker County and a larger 402-acre Islamic development near Dallas have triggered a cascading series of state and federal investigations, drawing condemnation from Governor Greg Abbott and sparking heated public debates about religious freedom and community planning across Texas. The Department of Justice announced a federal investigation into the larger project in May 2025, while local officials grapple with mounting political pressure and community tensions surrounding both developments.
The controversy has engulfed two distinct projects: the more minor "Muslims United Phase 2" subdivision in conservative Parker County west of Fort Worth, and the much larger EPIC City development proposed by the East Plano Islamic Center in Collin and Hunt counties northeast of Dallas.
Parker County Subdivision Raises Local Concerns
The Parker County development, proposed by Muslims United for Progress Inc., represents a modest 4-acre subdivision near the intersection of Dub Lane and Russell Bend Road, northwest of Weatherford. According to the Cavalry Dispatch, the organization was founded in 1985 and appears to be led by Samad Abdur-Razzaaq, a 40-year resident of the area.
"Four acres doesn't sound like too much, but part of what's driving the controversy around this story is the fact that Parker County is widely regarded as perhaps the most conservative County in Texas," the Cavalry Dispatch reported in April 2025.
Commissioner Jacob Holt oversees the precinct where the subdivision proposal is being considered. Local reporting suggests the development may involve additional housing for family members associated with the organization, though this has not been officially confirmed.
The proposal has generated significant online discussion, with some social media users expressing concerns about the precedent it might set, while others defend it as a routine family development project.
EPIC City: The Larger Controversy
The more prominent controversy centers on EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre master-planned community initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center. According to NPR, the development would include "a new mosque, more than 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."
EPIC Islamic scholar Yasir Qadhi told NPR that the concept emerged from practical necessity as the mosque's 10,000 members face space constraints.
"Why not build a purpose built community where all of the facilities, all of the amenities that people want are going to be within walking distance?"
- Yasir Qadhi, EPIC Islamic scholar, as reported by NPR
The first 450 plots for EPIC City sold out within days of the announcement on the mosque's website, according to reporting by WUFT. Future residents purchase shares to own plots for future homes, with charges included to help fund the construction of community buildings.
Federal and State Investigations Mount
The Department of Justice opened a federal investigation into EPIC City in May 2025 following a request from Senator John Cornyn. According to KERA News, Cornyn sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon asking them to investigate potential "religious discrimination."
"I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi and the Department of Justice for hearing my concerns and opening an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in North Texas. Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State."
- Senator John Cornyn, as reported by KERA News
Governor Abbott has launched multiple state-level investigations alongside Attorney General Ken Paxton. According to NPR, these probes include claims that the project could be discriminating against non-Muslims in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act, along with allegations of potential financial harm to investors and breaches of consumer protection laws.
Abbott ordered the mosque to cease any construction in April 2025 or face legal action, despite no groundwork having been laid. The governor cited the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's finding that required permits had not been submitted.
Community Reactions and Public Forums
Public sentiment has been sharply divided across both developments. At a Collin County Commissioners Court meeting in March 2025, residents voiced strong opposition to EPIC City, with CBS Texas reporting a 4.5-hour session where dozens spoke out.
Hunt County resident Krista Schild made inflammatory claims without evidence, stating, according to NPR:
"They will do the most Sharia compliance, including honor killings, stonings, marrying their young girls off to older men."
Collin County resident Lee Breckenridge-Moore added similar unfounded allegations, claiming "Sharia has no freedom of religion, no freedom of speech, no freedom of thought, no freedom of artistic expression, and no equal rights for women," according to WUFT reporting.
However, supporters have also emerged. Some speakers emphasized the importance of fair treatment and religious freedom, with one stating, "These individuals deserve fair treatment and real representation. We must advocate for an inclusive Texas," as reported by CBS Texas.
Religious Freedom and Legal Responses
Representative Salman Bhojani, identified by CBS Texas as "the first Muslim elected official in Texas," has defended the developments as exercises of religious freedom.
"I'm a real attorney. I know a lot of developments in North Texas exactly mimic this. There's nothing illegal about that if they want to do that. This is something that we should be protecting in our state of Texas, not demonizing."
- Representative Salman Bhojani, as reported by CBS Texas
Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of the Dallas-Fort Worth office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, addressed misconceptions about Sharia law in NPR's reporting. Carroll emphasized that Sharia implementation varies significantly by context, with Muslims in Western societies practicing it very differently than in conservative nations.
"The assumption is that your daughters will wear burqas, and your sons will turn into terrorists who commit violence and engage in all sorts of madness."
- Mustafaa Carroll, CAIR Dallas-Fort Worth, as reported by NPR
Carroll told NPR that Sharia encompasses aspects of Islamic customs, such as prayer times, dress codes, and dietary laws, rather than the negative stereotypes often associated with it.
Project Details and Timeline
EPIC City's development timeline remains uncertain due to the investigations. Dan Cogdell, the attorney representing EPIC, told KERA News that construction is "years away" and emphasized the mosque's cooperation with all investigations.
"EPIC will cooperate fully with any and all investigations — regardless of how misguided and unnecessary they are."
- Dan Cogdell, EPIC attorney, as reported by KERA News
According to Wikipedia, the project is managed through Community Capital Partners, with former EPIC board president Imran Chaudhary serving as executive officer. The East Plano Islamic Center will receive all profits from the development, while leadership team members reportedly work as volunteers without compensation.
The development has expanded to include two additional projects: EPIC Ranches One and Two, covering approximately 110 and 90 acres, respectively, according to Wikipedia.
Political Implications and Motivations
The timing of some investigations has raised questions about political motivations. KERA News reported that Attorney General Paxton announced his investigation into local officials' involvement with EPIC City hours after Cornyn shared his letter requesting a federal investigation. Notably, Paxton announced plans to challenge Cornyn in the GOP primary race for the U.S. Senate seat.
Dan Cogdell, who previously represented Paxton during his 2023 impeachment proceedings, expressed confusion about the Attorney General's demands.
"I don't even know what Paxton is talking about. Instead of issuing press releases, perhaps they should pick up the phone and call me. They've got the number."
- Dan Cogdell, EPIC attorney, as reported by KERA News
Historical Context and Demographics
Parker County's demographic composition adds context to the local controversy. The Cavalry Dispatch noted that Parker County "is widely regarded as perhaps the most conservative County in Texas, certainly if one is considering those with a population greater than 100,000 people."
The county has deep historical roots, created in 1855 and named for early Texas legislator Isaac Parker. The region experienced significant conflict during westward expansion, including Comanche raids that continued as late as 1873, according to the Cavalry Dispatch's historical analysis.
The East Plano Islamic Center, by contrast, operates in a more diverse metropolitan area. According to WUFT, several EPIC members already live within walking distance of the mosque in neighborhoods where "black and white houses with manicured lawns are adorned with Arabic lettering." Local businesses, including EPIC Market, sell halal meat, and Haraz Coffee serves Middle Eastern specialties.
Legal Precedent and Development Rights
Legal experts suggest both developments may face challenges in court if denied based solely on religious grounds. The Cavalry Dispatch noted that "County Commissioners are sometimes unable to prevent subdivisions from forming if they meet all the requirements."
EPIC representatives have consistently emphasized that their development is open to all residents regardless of religious background. According to Wikipedia, project representatives emphasized their goal to create a "diverse and inclusive" community where people from various backgrounds can coexist harmoniously.
Yasir Qadhi told KERA News that EPIC City is "not exclusive to Muslim residents" and described it as "an open community," welcoming people of all backgrounds and diversity."
Economic and Investment Aspects
State officials have scrutinized the financial structure of EPIC City. According to Wikipedia, investors must purchase a $80,000 share in Community Capital Partners to reserve a lot in the main development, with the amount later credited toward home lot purchases. EPIC Ranches properties require $30,000 in earnest money.
State officials allege potential financial harm to investors and violations of consumer protection laws, though specific evidence supporting these claims has not been publicly detailed.
Uncertain Outcomes
Investigations into both developments continue, with no clear resolution timeline. The federal DOJ investigation into EPIC City represents the most significant legal challenge, while state-level probes by Abbott and Paxton add additional pressure.
For the Parker County development, the smaller scale may allow for quicker resolution, though the political climate suggests continued scrutiny. Commissioner Jacob Holt's handling of the routine platting process is likely to face intense public scrutiny.
The broader implications extend beyond these specific projects to questions of religious freedom, community planning rights, and the government's role in regulating faith-based developments. As Representative Bhojani noted, the outcome may set important precedents for religious communities across Texas.
Both Muslim communities maintain their commitment to following all applicable laws while pursuing their development goals. The resolution of these controversies will likely influence future faith-based community planning efforts throughout Texas and potentially other states facing similar demographic changes.
The investigations continue as communities on all sides await definitive legal determinations about the future of religious-centered development in one of America's most politically conservative states.