A planned Muslim community, EPIC City, is set to be developed in Josephine, Texas, about 40 miles northeast of Dallas. The project, led by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), aims to create a self-sustaining neighborhood featuring a mosque, Islamic schools, clinics, stores, parks, a nursing home, and over 1,000 homes.

However, the initiative has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could become an ‘exclusionary enclave.’ Texas Governor Greg Abbott has publicly condemned the project, stating that “Sharia cities” have no place in Texas. He reinforced existing state laws prohibiting foreign legal codes, including Sharia law, from being applied in Texas courts. Abbott’s comments came in response to a post from conservative commentator Amy Mek, who claimed a “402-acre Sharia City” was being built in Texas. Abbott’s office later referred media inquiries back to his social media post.

Despite concerns from critics, EPIC City organizers have repeatedly stated that the community will operate under U.S. law. Community Capital Partners, the entity managing the project, has emphasized compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on religion. The organization clarified that while they will conduct “thorough individualized assessments” of prospective buyers for safety and security reasons, there will be no blanket bans on any group.

The project’s lead scholar, Yasir Qadhi, has described EPIC City as a “well-integrated” Muslim neighborhood that aims to serve as a role model for positive community engagement. “We are not forming a cult. We’re not creating barriers between us and the rest of society,” Qadhi said, adding that the development intends to contribute positively to Texas and the U.S.

The controversy surrounding EPIC City is unfolding amid broader national debates on Muslim communities and integration. During his presidency, Donald Trump imposed travel bans on several Muslim-majority countries. Upon returning to office in January, Trump signed an executive order directing officials to review vetting procedures for certain nations.

While EPIC City supporters insist it is simply a faith-oriented housing project, the issue has become a flashpoint for political debate. The development is still in the planning phase, and it remains unclear whether Abbott’s opposition will impact its progress.