Texas ‘EPIC City’ Plan Sparks Controversy: Muslim Group Accuses Governor Abbott of ‘Abusing Power’

A proposal by a Texas-based Islamic center to develop a new Muslim-themed community has ignited a sharp political dispute, with the largest Muslim advocacy group in the United States accusing state leadership of disseminating “hateful misinformation.” The planned settlement, dubbed “EPIC City” by its proponents, has drawn criticism from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have raised concerns about legal issues and potential investigations.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), described as the nation’s foremost Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, issued strong condemnation of Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton. CAIR alleges that the state leaders have engaged in an “abusing power” by spreading “hateful misinformation” regarding the planned development.

The ‘EPIC City’ Proposal

The development in question originates from the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The organization has announced preliminary plans to construct a new settlement on a sprawling 402-acre tract of land situated across parts of Collin and Hunt counties in North Texas. The project, envisioned as a Muslim-themed town, is currently in its initial stages, and a formal planning application has not yet been officially submitted to local authorities.

Proponents of EPIC City frame the project as a model for integrated community living. According to an excerpt from resident scholar Yasir Qadhi of the East Plano Islamic Center, “EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated.”

Governor Abbott’s Response and Claims

Governor Abbott’s office first publicly addressed the proposed development in February. Utilizing the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Governor Abbott stated unequivocally that “Sharia law is not allowed in Texas.” This early comment signaled the state’s potential stance on the project.

The Governor escalated his concerns in March, claiming the proposed settlement was facing “serious legal issues.” He further stated that the development was under investigation by “a dozen state agencies” and the Texas attorney general’s office. These claims by Governor Abbott directly preceded CAIR’s accusation of spreading “hateful misinformation.”

CAIR’s Accusation and Counter-Response

CAIR’s condemnation centers on the assertion that the Governor and Attorney General are misrepresenting the nature and intent of the EPIC City project. The organization argues that labeling the development in terms of ‘Sharia law’ or alleging unspecified “serious legal issues” without publicly detailing them constitutes the spread of harmful inaccuracies.

In response to CAIR’s criticism, Governor Abbott’s press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris, provided a statement to Newsweek. Mahaleris sharply criticized CAIR itself, calling it “an antisemitic hate group whose leaders openly praised Hamas ruthlessly killing innocent Israelis during the October 7 massacre.” This statement introduced a separate, highly charged dimension to the dispute, diverting focus from the specifics of the proposed Texas development and the legal concerns raised by the state.

Preliminary Plans Amidst Heightened Scrutiny

The controversy highlights how even preliminary development proposals can become flashpoints for political and cultural debate, especially when involving religious communities. The EPIC City project remains in its nascent phase, lacking formal submission to planning bodies, yet it has already attracted significant state-level scrutiny and triggered accusations of prejudice from a prominent civil rights group.

The differing public statements from Governor Abbott, suggesting potential legal entanglements and invoking the contentious term “Sharia law,” and CAIR’s counter-accusation of “hateful misinformation” and “abusing power” set a contentious tone for any future progression of the EPIC City plans.

The exchange underscores the sensitivity surrounding large-scale community developments proposed by specific religious groups in the current political climate. The absence of a formal application means that specific legal challenges or grounds for investigation have not been publicly detailed by the state, leaving the precise nature of the “serious legal issues” and the scope of the “dozen state agencies” involved unclear to the public.

The situation remains dynamic, with the East Plano Islamic Center’s vision for a “role model community” facing significant political headwinds and public accusations from state leadership even before the project advances beyond its conceptual stage. The back-and-forth between the Governor’s office and CAIR reflects broader tensions related to religious freedom, community development, and political rhetoric in the United States.