On March 29, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) concluded its civil rights investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) proposed EPIC City development in Josephine, Texas, without filing any charges. The 400-acre project, envisioned as a mixed-use community featuring residential homes, a mosque, a K-12 school, parks, and commercial spaces, had faced intense scrutiny from several Texas political leaders who alleged it could discriminate against non-Muslims and potentially impose Islamic law.
The DOJ’s decision to close the investigation was based on assurances from the project’s developers, Community Capital Partners (CCP), affirming that EPIC City would be inclusive and open to individuals of all faiths. In a letter to CCP, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon noted that the developers had committed to revising their marketing materials to emphasize this inclusivity, aligning with obligations under the Fair Housing Act. “Based on this information, the Department is closing its investigation at this time,” Dhillon wrote.
The EPIC City project, announced in 2024, quickly became a focal point of controversy. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Senator John Cornyn were among the prominent figures expressing concerns. Senator Cornyn, in particular, requested the DOJ’s involvement, citing fears that the development might create a Muslim-exclusive community and enforce Sharia law—claims that EPIC leaders have consistently denied.
In response to the DOJ’s closure of the investigation, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the decision and urged Texas officials to cease what it described as discriminatory probes. “We welcome the dropping of this investigation and hope the DOJ’s actions send a clear message to the governor and other officials in Texas that they … said Nihad Awad, CA … .
Despite the federal investigation’s conclusion, EPIC City continues to face multiple state-level inquiries. Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to investigate potential criminal activities related to the project, while Attorney General Paxton has launched civil investigations into possible violations of state consumer protection laws. Additionally, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has raised concerns about the project’s permitting processes.
EPIC City remains in the planning stages, with developers indicating that construction has not yet commenced. The project’s leaders maintain that their goal is to create a diverse and harmonious community that adheres to all local, state, and federal laws. Attorney Dan Cogdell, representing EPIC City, criticized the ongoing state investigations as politically motivated and lacking in substantive evidence.
The controversy surrounding EPIC City highlights broader national debates over religious freedom, community planning, and the role of government oversight. As the project progresses, it remains to be seen how these tensions will be navigated and whether EPIC City will serve as a model for inclusive community development or continue to be a flashpoint in discussions about religious and cultural integration in the United States.
