Texas Rangers Launch Criminal Investigation into East Plano Islamic Center Amid Multiple State Probes
Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Rangers on Monday to launch a criminal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), marking the fifth state-led probe into the organization and its proposed 402-acre Muslim-centric community development in Collin County.
Abbott announced the investigation through social media, stating that the Rangers will examine "potential criminal law violations" by EPIC, though he did not specify which laws may have been broken. The investigation follows other ongoing inquiries by the Texas Workforce Commission, Attorney General Ken Paxton's office, the Texas State Securities Board, and a cease-and-desist order regarding funeral services at the centre.
Multiple State Investigations Target Islamic Center's Development
The Texas Rangers' investigation represents an escalation in state scrutiny of EPIC and its proposed community development, "EPIC City." Five different state entities announced investigations within the past week.
"Texas is a law-and-order state. Those scheming to evade law enforcement scrutiny must know justice is awaiting them," Governor Abbott stated in his social media announcement. "That's why I directed the Texas Rangers to fully investigate the group behind the proposed EPIC compound for potentially violating criminal law."
The governor's office has not provided specific details about what prompted the criminal investigation, only stating that charges would be filed after the investigation is completed. This lack of specificity has raised questions among project supporters.
The EPIC City Development Plan
The investigations coincide with EPIC's plans to develop "EPIC City," a community catering primarily to Muslims on rural land near the town of Josephine in eastern Collin County, approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas.
According to multiple news sources, the ambitious 402-acre project includes plans for more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, retail shops, apartments, a mosque, an assisted living center, sports facilities, and a community college.
Community Capital Partners (CCP), a for-profit entity formed by some EPIC members last year, manages the project. According to Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the Plano Mosque and one involved in project planning, the development aims to serve the growing Muslim population in North Texas.
"We need more space, and people are coming from across the country," Qadhi said in an interview last year. "Dallas is now known to be a hub of people of our faith, coming not just to the city, but specifically to our mosque."
Nature of the Investigations
In addition to the Texas Rangers' criminal investigation, four other state agencies are examining various aspects of the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its development plans. The Texas Workforce Commission is investigating whether the project violates fair housing laws by potentially refusing to sell or rent housing based on religion or other protected characteristics, as announced by Governor Abbott. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office is conducting an investigation into potential consumer protection law violations, stating that his office has "zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law" and that EPIC City has raised several concerns.
The Texas State Securities Board is reviewing whether EPIC City's development group misled investors, focusing on potential failures to comply with state and federal securities requirements. Lastly, the Texas Funeral Service Commission issued a cease-and-desist order, accusing EPIC of operating a funeral home without proper licensing. The commission's letter alleged that EPIC violated state law by conducting funeral services without an establishment license, despite the mosque's partnership with a licensed funeral home. These investigations collectively represent a comprehensive state-level scrutiny of EPIC's activities and development plans.
EPIC's Response to Allegations
Representatives for EPIC and Community Capital Partners have disputed the allegations, though they have been careful in their public statements given the multiple ongoing investigations.
"We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation," a statement from EPIC City to NBC 5 read. "We look forward to working with the attorney general to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way."
In February, Community Capital Partners told The Dallas Morning News that the development would be open to people of all faiths and would comply with fair housing laws. They also stated they would conduct individualized assessments of prospective home buyers to "ensure they align with their goals of safety and security."
Qadhi has emphasized that the project is not exclusive to Muslims: "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."
Public Reaction and Community Division
The proposed development has sparked significant debate in Collin County and beyond. On Monday, the Collin County Commissioners Court held a public hearing that drew dozens of residents with strong opinions about EPIC City.
The meeting, which lasted four and a half hours, featured predominantly critical comments from local residents. "We all want safe, inclusive communities that require transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Epic City fails on all three," one speaker remarked.
Another resident expressed concern about potential segregation: "To allow a new group to claim and execute a 400-acre segregated city is the height of insanity."
However, the development also found some supporters. "These individuals deserve treatment and real representation. We must advocate for an inclusive Texas," said Collin County resident Dylan Evans.
Darrell Evans, described as a former Democratic candidate for Texas House District 89 in Collin County, criticized the state's approach: "Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton's actions represent a blatant misuse of power against communities striving for a better existence."
Background on the East Plano Islamic Center
The East Plano Islamic Center was established in 2003, beginning with small gatherings in garages before becoming a non-profit organization later that year. After occupying various temporary locations, including a trailer and a strip mall, EPIC moved into a 10,000-square-foot building in 2008 before relocating to its current, larger facility in 2015.
The current building has a capacity of 3,200 people and an interior area of 33,000 square feet. The mosque's current Imam is Nadim Bashir, and its resident scholar is Yasir Qadhi. EPIC is described as one of many mosques serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
According to The Christian Post, EPIC bills itself as "a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-lingual, non-sectarian, diverse, and open community committed to full and equal participation and involvement of men and women who are community members of EPIC and subscribe to accept its rules, regulations, and procedures."
Broader Context of Muslim Communities in Texas
Texas has one of the largest Muslim populations in the United States, with an estimated 313,000 Muslims statewide, including nearly 150,000 in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, according to figures cited by The Christian Post.
Josephine, the small city near where EPIC City would be developed, has experienced rapid population growth in recent years. In 2023, the population grew by nearly 5,000 people – a 234% increase over three years, according to KERA News.
According to Qadhi's statements reported by KERA, the first 450 plots of the EPIC City development reportedly sold out within days of its announcement on the mosque's website, indicating strong interest from potential residents.
Legal and Political Implications
The multiple investigations have raised questions about potential religious discrimination versus legitimate regulatory concerns. While state officials frame their actions as enforcing existing laws, some critics view the investigations as targeting a religious minority.
Collin County Judge Chris Hill expressed concerns during Monday's commissioners meeting: "This is not building a place of worship or attending a place of worship, it's about the vision of building a housing development that would limit access and control housing opportunities."
Meanwhile, Texas Representative Jeff Leach (R-Allen) wrote to Attorney General Paxton in February expressing concerns that "this large-scale real estate development may seek to incorporate elements of Sharia law into its operations. We must ensure that no entity attempts to circumvent state law under the guise of cultural or religious accommodation."
Current Status and Next Steps
As of April 1, 2025, no formal applications for the EPIC City development have been submitted to Collin County. "Nothing has been approved because we haven't even received an application at this stage," Commissioner Sheryl Williams stated during Monday's meeting.
Community Capital Partners confirmed that no plans have been submitted yet, noting that the project remains in its early stages. No additional meetings have been scheduled to discuss the project further at this time.
The Texas Rangers investigation, along with the four other state probes, will proceed in the coming weeks. Governor Abbott has stated that any criminal charges would only be filed after the Rangers complete their investigation.
Uncertainty Surrounds Project's Future
The proposed EPIC City development now faces an uncertain future amid unprecedented scrutiny from multiple state agencies and divided community opinion. As investigations by the Texas Rangers and other agencies unfold, questions remain about whether the project will move forward in its current form, undergo modifications to address regulatory concerns, or face insurmountable legal obstacles.
The controversy surrounding EPIC City highlights broader tensions regarding religious communities, housing developments, and the limits of cultural accommodation within existing legal frameworks. As more information emerges from the various investigations, Whether the investigations represent legitimate enforcement of state laws or targeted scrutiny of a religious minority community will likely be debated in the weeks and months ahead.