In Austin, Texas, a federal civil rights investigation has been initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice into a proposed Muslim-focused community development near Dallas. The move was announced by U.S. Senator John Cornyn. Last month, Cornyn had called for this federal inquiry, raising concerns of potential discrimination against Christians and Jews within the project. The notification of the Justice Department’s investigation was shared by Cornyn on social media.
The development in question is linked to the East Plano Islamic Center and remains unconstructed. According to the developers, the project is facing hostility due to their Muslim identity. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has not confirmed Cornyn’s announcement or provided any comment on the matter.
The federal investigation adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding the EPIC City project, which has also drawn criticism and investigations from Texas’s Republican Governor Greg Abbott and other GOP officials. They accused the project of attempting to establish a Muslim-exclusive community that would enforce Islamic law among its residents.
Prominent opponents of the community include Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is preparing to challenge Senator Cornyn in the upcoming 2026 elections. Senator Cornyn stated, “Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no home in Texas,” calling for prompt prosecution of any federal law violations, especially under then-President Donald Trump’s administration.
Dan Cogdell, representing the developers of EPIC City and previously defending Paxton in an impeachment trial, asserted that the developers have acted within the law and will cooperate with all investigations, which he described as misplaced and unnecessary.
State-level probes are also examining whether the planned community breaches financial laws, housing regulations, or whether the mosque has conducted any unauthorized funerals. Cogdell maintains that such investigations would not have arisen if the project revolved around a church or temple instead.
He emphasized that claims relating to Islamic law and the project’s exclusivity were unfounded and misleading, adding, “These folks are US Citizens, law abiding and Texans.” Additionally, the Dallas-area branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the state probes as oppressive to the Muslim community and a breach of religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Plans for the development feature over a thousand residential units, including homes and apartments, and educational facilities binding kindergarten to 12th grade, a community college, accommodation for the elderly, and sporting amenities. EPIC City is set to be located close to Josephine, approximately 30 miles northeast of Dallas.