Texas officials have launched multiple investigations into a proposed Muslim housing development, despite no evidence of wrongdoing, leading the DOJ to step in.
A housing development should rarely become the subject of national debate, let alone a federal investigation. But the case of Epic City, a Muslim-led residential project near Dallas, has become entangled in a web of political opportunism, religious bias, and misinformation. The situation now warrants a civil rights probe by the U.S. Department of Justice, a rare but telling move.
The project plans to include hundreds of residential homes, a faith-based school, a community college, and assisted living facilities for senior citizens.
Instead of being evaluated on its merits, the development drew backlash from right-wing commentators and high-ranking Texas officials. The misinformation began when far-right agitator Amy Mekelburg labeled the project a “Sharia City”—a claim with no legal or factual basis. Texas Governor Greg Abbott amplified the falsehood, casting the Muslim-led housing initiative as a potential threat to national security. The rhetoric quickly escalated.
On March 25, Attorney General Ken Paxton opened a formal investigation into the project, alleging possible violations of state law. No evidence was presented to substantiate the accusations. Just weeks later, Paxton demanded the project be halted immediately. That move coincided with his campaign to unseat Senator John Cornyn, a detail many observers noted as more than coincidental. In response, Cornyn called on the DOJ to investigate the project from a civil rights angle, ironically echoing concerns about religious discrimination while the state’s own actions raised red flags.
What is Epic City?
Epic City is a proposed housing development led by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), a mosque located about 30 miles northeast of Dallas.
Spearheaded by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), the project was designed to include homes, a faith-based school, a community college, and assisted living facilities for the elderly. EPIC, known for its diversity and civic engagement, described the initiative as an inclusive space rooted in values of community, education, and care.
According to its website, EPIC describes 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.”
Dan Cogdell, the attorney representing Epic City—who notably defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment trial and secured his acquittal—told NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth that the developers have “done nothing illegal and we will cooperate fully with all investigations, regardless of how misguided and unnecessary they are.”
The ongoing state investigations are examining whether the development has violated financial regulations or fair housing laws, as well as whether the mosque has conducted unauthorized funerals.
Cogdell pointed out that such scrutiny would likely not occur if the project were connected to a church or temple. He described the accusations related to Islamic law and other claims as “completely without merit, totally misleading, and dangerous.” He emphasized, “These individuals are U.S. citizens, law-abiding, and Texans,” as reported by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth.
At the time of publication, the U.S. Justice Department had not responded to requests for comment or confirmed Senator Cornyn’s call for an investigation.