Texas Orders East Plano Islamic Center to Cease Funeral Operations Amid Escalating Investigations
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on March 26, 2025, that the Texas Funeral Service Commission has issued a cease-and-desist letter to the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), ordering an immediate halt to what officials describe as "illegal funeral service operations." The action marks the second in a series of investigations into EPIC and its proposed 402-acre development known as "EPIC City." The cease-and-desist letter has been forwarded to the local district attorney's office for potential prosecution, escalating the state's scrutiny of the Islamic center's activities.
State Launches Multiple Investigations Into Islamic Center
The funeral services investigation is part of a broader campaign by Texas officials targeting the East Plano Islamic Center. Earlier this week, Governor Abbott announced that "a dozen state agencies" were investigating potential illegal activities at EPIC, though specific violations were not initially detailed.
"Here in Texas, we uphold the rule of law," said Governor Abbott in a statement released by his office. "The group behind the proposed East Plano Islamic Center compound in Collin County is knowingly breaking state law in many ways, including by operating a funeral home without a license. This is a crime, and it will not be tolerated. Texas will continue to defend our communities from any threats EPIC City poses."
The funeral service issue appears to stem from an expired license. According to KERA News, EPIC previously operated a funeral home with an establishment license before it expired in 2022. The mosque's website now indicates that it partners with the licensed Rahma Funeral Homes to provide funeral services, though state officials contend this arrangement violates regulations.
Attorney General Launches Consumer Protection Investigation
Just one day before the funeral services cease-and-desist order, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office had opened an investigation into Community Capital Partners (CCP), the corporate entity established by EPIC to manage the development. Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) citing potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws.
"Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law," Paxton stated. "My office has an open and ongoing investigation into EPIC City, which has raised several concerns, and this CID will help ensure that any potential violation of state law is uncovered."
Paxton's investigation appears to focus on the development's financial structure. According to the attorney general, "Promotional materials advertised by EPIC have explicitly stated that EPIC is the 'only beneficiary of profits' from EPIC City."
Third Investigation Targets Securities Compliance
In a further escalation, Governor Abbott announced a third investigation on Thursday, March 27, involving the Texas State Securities Board. This investigation centers on "potential failures to comply with applicable state and federal securities requirements," including protections against fraud.
"The group behind the proposed East Plano Islamic Center compound may be misleading investors," Abbott said in a press release. "Defrauding Texans will not be tolerated. The Texas State Securities Board is conducting a thorough investigation to protect Texans from financial harm alleged to have been caused by EPIC."
The governor did not provide specific details about the alleged securities violations, and his office has not responded to repeated requests for comment from media outlets.
The Controversial EPIC City Development
The investigations center around EPIC City, an ambitious 402-acre development planned for unincorporated areas near Josephine, Texas, approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas. The project, which spans portions of Collin and Hunt counties, would include more than 1,000 single—and multi-family homes, a new mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and a community college.
The development has faced significant scrutiny since February when a promotional video about the project spread across social media. Governor Abbott has been particularly vocal in his opposition, suggesting without evidence that the development could promote "Sharia cities" or create "no-go zones" where non-Muslims would not be welcome.
"To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no-go zones' which this project seems to imply," Abbott posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on February 24.
Community Response and Defense
The East Plano Islamic Center has consistently maintained that the development will comply with all applicable laws. In response to Abbott's earlier criticism, the center stated: "It should go without saying that our community, like any other in this great state, will follow all local, state, and federal laws. We would love you to see the site and learn about our project over some Hutchins BBQ."
Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the Plano mosque and one of the people planning the project, has emphasized that EPIC City is not intended to be an exclusive community. In an interview last year with KERA News, he explained that the development arose from the growing Muslim population in the region and increasing demand for space.
"We need more space, and people are coming from across the country," Qadhi said. "Dallas is now known to be a hub of people of our faith, coming not just to the city, but specifically to our mosque."
Qadhi stressed the planned community's inclusive nature: "It's an open community. Anybody can come in. We're welcoming people of all backgrounds and diversity, and we're offering them facilities that we think would be very, very useful."
Political Context and Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding EPIC City has intensified recently, with several state officials weighing in. State Representative Jeff Leach, R-Plano, sent a letter to Paxton in February requesting an investigation, expressing concern that the project might include "elements of Sharia Law" and potentially violate House Bill 45, a 2017 law prohibiting foreign law in Texas courts.
The governor's reference to "foreign adversaries" in his social media posts has raised additional questions, though his office has not elaborated on this claim when contacted by media outlets.
The timing of the investigations has not gone unnoticed. They come during the final days of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer. The Houston Chronicle noted that Abbott and Paxton's actions come "nearing Ramadan's end."
Project Details and Community Growth
The development is situated in an area experiencing significant growth. According to KERA News, Josephine's population grew by nearly 5,000 in 2023 – a 234% increase over three years. The demand for the EPIC City development appears strong, with Qadhi noting that the first 450 plots sold out within days of being announced on the mosque's website.
Qadhi has previously stated that no external funding exists for the planned construction. Instead, people purchase shares to own plots of land for future homes, with an additional charge to help fund the construction of community buildings like the mosque and school.
Community Capital Partners has publicly committed to complying with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on religion and other protected characteristics. Newsweek stated they "will not impose blanket restrictions on any demographic, but will perform comprehensive individual evaluations of potential buyers to ensure they meet our safety and security objectives."
Legal and Community Implications
The Collin County Commission is expected to vote on EPIC City's permit on April 14, a decision that could significantly impact the project's future. The outcome of the multiple state investigations will likely influence this process and could set precedents for other religious community developments in Texas.
As the investigations proceed, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious freedom, community integration, and cultural diversity in Texas. The case raises important questions about the balance between state oversight and spiritual liberty and the role of political rhetoric in shaping public perceptions of minority religious communities.
With multiple state agencies now involved and the governor's assertion that legislators are considering new laws related to such developments, the EPIC City controversy will likely remain central to Texas politics and policy discussions in the coming months. How the state balances its concerns about regulatory compliance with constitutional protections for religious freedom and property rights will be closely watched by communities nationwide.