The Department of Justice, under President Trump, has launched a civil rights investigation into EPIC City—a massive, Muslim-led development proposed just outside Josephine, Texas.
Earlier in the year we took a closer look at the unusual nature of the plan—a 400-acre community centered around Islamic values, marketed heavily to Muslims, and rolled out with little input from local residents.
Now, after weeks of growing public concern, the federal government is officially stepping in.
NEW: The DOJ has launched an investigation into EPIC City, a Muslim development in Texas, for engaging in religious discrimination and attempting to implement Sharia Law.
“Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State. Any violations of federal law… pic.twitter.com/WRMuU5Ak5P
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 9, 2025
What’s EPIC City All About?
The East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) wants to build what they’re calling a “faith-friendly” neighborhood—complete with homes, a mosque, schools, senior housing, and recreational space.
On the surface, it might look like just another master-planned community.
But here’s the issue: from the very beginning, EPIC City has been described as a community “for Muslims, by Muslims.”
Some promotional materials even hinted at internal governance structures that sparked fears of religious exclusivity—and possibly even attempts to integrate Islamic law, known as Sharia, into community life.
Now, to be fair, EPIC leaders deny those claims.
They say the community is open to all faiths and that everything will follow state and federal law.
Still, there’s been enough uncertainty to catch the attention of Texas leaders—and now the feds.
DOJ Opens a Civil Rights Case
This week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it was opening an investigation into whether EPIC City has been the target of illegal discrimination—after Republican Senator John Cornyn raised concerns.
He had asked the DOJ to take a look at whether the development was violating fair housing laws by promoting a religiously exclusive community.
Governor Greg Abbott didn’t wait for Washington. He directed multiple Texas state agencies to investigate possible violations tied to EPIC City—ranging from zoning concerns to unlicensed funeral activity.
And Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is on the case too. He’s asked for documents, dug into complaints, and made clear he’s not afraid to step on toes.
Whether that’s political—he’s rumored to be eyeing a Senate run—or principled, the scrutiny is piling up.
Concerns About Sharia Law
One of the biggest concerns from conservative voices isn’t just about zoning or housing access. It’s about what kind of laws or rules might govern this new “city.”
As we pointed out in our past articles, even the appearance that Sharia Law might play a role raises serious questions.
Sharia is not recognized under the U.S. Constitution. It conflicts with core American freedoms—especially when it comes to equal rights, speech, and religious liberty.
Even though EPIC says Sharia isn’t part of their plan, the lack of transparency and selective outreach has only added to the suspicion.
A Double Standard?
This whole episode highlights a deeper frustration many Americans feel.
If a Christian organization tried to build a massive neighborhood marketed as “Christian-only,” you can bet the lawsuits would fly fast.
It’s not about hate—it’s about fairness. One set of rules for everybody. That’s all most folks are asking for.
Where This Goes From Here
We’ll see what the DOJ turns up, but the facts so far raise legitimate concerns.
What’s clear is that this is bigger than just one project outside Dallas.
Who’s really in charge here? The voters and their representatives—or unelected bureaucrats and political interest groups?
We’re not saying EPIC City is definitely doing anything illegal.
But when you mix religious promotion, unclear rules, and a massive development rolled out without proper vetting, it’s fair to ask tough questions.
Let’s hope this investigation brings some clarity. Because Americans—regardless of faith—deserve transparency, accountability, and a government that plays by one set of rules.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
