Texas Attorney General Investigates Planned Muslim-Centric Neighborhood
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating a planned Muslim-centric neighborhood in Dallas-Fort Worth over potential violations of state consumer protection laws.
Related: They dream of building Muslim-centric neighborhoods near Dallas. Will it work?
Investigation and Concerns
Paxton issued a “civil investigative demand” to Community Capital Partners, LP, to turn over materials relevant to the investigation. The entity was formed by the East Plano Islamic Center to manage EPIC City, a mixed-use development planned in Josephine, roughly 40 minutes from downtown Dallas.
Representatives for Community Capital Partners and the East Plano Islamic Center did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding Paxton’s announcement Tuesday. This story will be updated with their responses.
D-FW Real Estate News
Representatives for Paxton did not immediately provide more details regarding the investigation. In a news release, Paxton’s office said promotional materials advertised by the East Plano Islamic Center said the mosque is the “only beneficiary of profits” from EPIC City.
“Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law,” Paxton said. “My office has an open and ongoing investigation into EPIC City, which has raised a number of concerns, and this (demand) will help ensure that any potential violation of state law is uncovered.”
Background and Previous Controversies
The investigation comes months after videos on X for the related Muslim-centric neighborhoods received more than 1.5 million views and drew backlash on social media.
Plans for EPIC City call for more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college, and sports fields in Collin and Hunt counties.
The new EPIC Ranches One and Two developments were announced last month. The developments will cover 200 acres near EPIC City. A member at the East Plano Islamic Center is overseeing the EPIC Ranches project.
Developer’s Intentions and Community Reaction
In previous interviews, representatives for the mosque and the EPIC City development group said they aim to create an inclusive community welcome to all.
“We are not forming a cult. We’re not forming big barriers between the rest of society,” Yasir Qadhi, resident scholar at the East Plano Islamic Center, said in a video update regarding the project. “We’re going to be giving back to this state and this country, and we’re going to be showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood.”
Related: Texas lawmaker calls for investigation into planned Muslim-centric development in D-FW
Sharia Law and State Involvement
Rep. Jeff Leach, an Allen Republican, sent a letter to Paxton last month, calling for an investigation into EPIC City over concerns that it may “incorporate elements of Sharia law” into its operations.
Sharia is the moral code for followers of Islam, but the interpretation and administration varies based on different sects, communities, countries, and individuals, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations. There is no single Sharia code, similar to how there is no uniform body of law for the thousands of Christian sects throughout the world.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously questioned the legality of the development in a social media post, said in an X post Monday evening that EPIC City “has serious legal issues.”
“A dozen state agencies are investigating it, the Attorney General will look into it, and legislators are considering laws to restrict it, as well as laws to prevent foreign adversaries from buying land in Texas,” he wrote.
Former Gateway members had asked a federal court to order the church to turn over internal financial documents.
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Conclusion
The investigation into EPIC City and the surrounding controversy highlight the complexities and challenges of developing a Muslim-centric neighborhood in the United States. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all parties involved and to ensure that any decisions made are fair, just, and respectful of the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
FAQs
Q: What is EPIC City, and what are its plans?
A: EPIC City is a planned Muslim-centric neighborhood in Dallas-Fort Worth, with plans for over 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, and various community amenities.
Q: Why is the Texas Attorney General investigating EPIC City?
A: The Texas Attorney General is investigating EPIC City over potential violations of state consumer protection laws, following concerns raised by promotional materials and social media backlash.
Q: What is Sharia law, and how does it relate to EPIC City?
A: Sharia law is the moral code for followers of Islam, with varying interpretations and administrations. Some have raised concerns that EPIC City may incorporate elements of Sharia law into its operations, although the development group has stated that it aims to create an inclusive community welcome to all.
