Texas Muslims Want to Build Homes and a Mosque. The Governor Says No.

In most cases, the transformation of a 400-acre plot of farmland into a residential neighborhood wouldn’t attract much attention in Texas. Especially near Josephine, a small town outside of Dallas, such developments are commonplace as suburban growth continues to push outward from the city center.

However, a specific development project proposed for this piece of land has sparked statewide controversy—not because of its size or environmental impact, but because it would feature a mosque as a central part of the community.

Governor Greg Abbott has made his opposition clear, turning this local issue into a state-level political flashpoint. He voiced his concerns online in February, posting a video about the development and writing: “To be clear, Shariah law is not permitted in Texas. Nor are Shariah cities.”

Abbott’s reaction is a stark reminder that, nearly 25 years after the 9/11 attacks, anti-Muslim sentiment continues to resurface, often under the pretense of opposing Islamic law or Shariah. It has been over a decade since public figures inflamed controversy over the planned Islamic center near Ground Zero in New York City, yet similar narratives remain potent.

In the meantime, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has grown dramatically, increasing its population by more than 60% to reach roughly 8.3 million people. This boom has brought a wide array of newcomers, including immigrants and families from various religious and cultural backgrounds—Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Jewish alike.

The East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), which has proposed a master-planned residential community of approximately 1,000 homes, has now found itself at the heart of a revived cultural conflict. Though the project was initially low-profile, it has become a symbol of religious tension in Texas.

“There’s no crime here,” stated Dan Cogdell, a veteran criminal defense attorney retained by EPIC to represent the developers. “But the reaction feels like a replay of the post-9/11 hysteria.”

Prior to Abbott’s involvement, most Texans likely hadn’t heard of the plan for EPIC City. Since then, the governor has repeatedly posted about it on social media—at least 11 times in recent weeks. He has raised suspicions of violations related to housing and finance laws, and has even alleged that the Islamic Center was holding unlawful funerals.

Governor Abbott initiated several overlapping investigations into the project. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton followed suit, launching a separate criminal inquiry. Together, their actions have fueled strong opposition to the development—even before official planning documents were submitted for review.

At a recent public hearing in Collin County, where part of EPIC City would be located, residents voiced their opinions for hours. Many expressed overtly anti-Muslim views. One man, Kyle Sims, declared, “This country was built on Judeo-Christian values. This doesn’t belong here.” Another speaker, Krista Schild—a local Republican precinct chair—warned of potential “honor killings,” “child marriages,” and “stonings,” if the development were allowed.

Members of EPIC say these claims are entirely unfounded and based on deep misunderstandings of Islam. Imam Nadim Bashir, a Florida-born, Texas-raised religious leader who heads the mosque, criticized the governor’s rhetoric for inciting fear.

“Shariah is a personal moral framework,” Imam Bashir explained. “It’s about integrity, kindness, taking care of one’s family and community. It’s not a political system we’re trying to impose.”

He stressed that the East Plano Islamic Center is fully committed to following all state and federal laws. “Why is he [Abbott] saying things we’ve never said or supported?” he asked. “We’re not here to change the laws of Texas. We’re here to live peacefully, like everyone else.”

Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Governor Abbott, defended the state’s actions. In a public statement, he said that investigating potential legal violations is meant to protect citizens, not to incite hostility.

The controversy around EPIC City follows a pattern seen elsewhere in North Texas. In places like Blue Ridge, other developments led by Muslim individuals or groups have faced resistance. Much of the online criticism originates from figures like Amy Mekelburg, a well-known internet commentator critical of Islam. It was her post about EPIC City that Governor Abbott amplified in February.

Governor Abbott has a history of reacting strongly to online conservative movements. Back in 2015, he sent the Texas State Guard to observe a federal military training operation after rumors spread that it was a covert plot by President Obama to impose martial law on the state.

More recently, conservative figures have expressed concern over residential communities that appear to serve specific demographics. One such example is Colony Ridge near Houston, a vast neighborhood where many buyers are believed to be undocumented immigrants.

Despite this political backdrop, the members of EPIC were stunned by the backlash. The Islamic Center has been active in the community for over 20 years, offering services such as a food pantry, a mobile health clinic, and even providing the only public warming center in Plano during recent winter storms.

To address the state investigations, EPIC retained Dan Cogdell—who previously helped Attorney General Paxton during his impeachment trial in 2023. Cogdell welcomed investigators to meet with the project leaders and review documentation.

“We never expected this level of scrutiny,” said Imran Chaudhary, one of the key figures leading the EPIC City project on behalf of Community Capital Partners, a private firm associated with the Islamic Center.

Standing on the muddy land where the homes would be built, another partner, Sarfraz Ahmad, shook his head and remarked quietly, “This is EPIC City.”

Just days earlier, Chaudhary received an anonymous call from a blocked number—one of many he’s had in recent weeks, often in the middle of the night. A man shouted an obscenity and told him to “get out of America” before abruptly hanging up.

Chaudhary, an IT executive, and Ahmad, a custom home builder, said they were thrilled when they secured the land and began sharing plans last year. Within a short time, 500 individuals expressed interest in joining the community. Each participant, many of them mosque members, contributed $80,000 for the option to buy a home in the future.

Critics of the project pointed to promotional materials that seemed to target Muslim buyers. One video described it as “a lifestyle centered around Islam.” However, Chaudhary emphasized that the community is not intended to exclude others.

Local officials have largely avoided commenting. Pastor Wayne Slay of Josephine’s First Baptist Church, which has stood in the city since the 19th century, said the issue had been discussed for months among residents. Still, he discouraged confrontation. “I don’t think protesting is the right response,” he said. “This could actually be an opportunity to reach out to others.”

Pastor Slay added, “Jesus said to love your neighbor. That includes everyone.”

Meanwhile, the East Plano Islamic Center has increased security. A mobile camera tower stands watch over its parking lot, and an armed guard checks entrances. Inside, young students at the Center’s religious school play basketball in the gym—part of a sprawling campus that resembles other religious centers, including Christian, Jewish, and Hindu institutions across the Dallas suburbs.

“We’re just regular Americans,” said Imam Bashir. “We’re teachers, doctors, engineers, IT professionals—just like everyone else. We want the same things: a safe neighborhood, good schools, a peaceful life.”

Regarding funeral services, the mosque had a small preparation area to perform traditional Muslim rites before transferring the body to a licensed funeral home for processing. Nonetheless, last month, the Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter and referred the mosque for criminal investigation, prompting them to halt all funeral-related services.

“If I could say one thing to every American,” Imam Bashir said, “it would be this: If you’re curious or have doubts about Islam, come visit us, ask your questions, talk to us. We are more than willing to have that conversation.”

The congregation has grown significantly—from a few hundred people in the early 2000s to several thousand today. Pastor Andy Odom, who leads a nearby Presbyterian church and frequently shares meals with Imam Bashir, said he has always felt welcomed by the EPIC community.

“They’ve only ever tried to be good neighbors,” he said. Even amid the backlash, he reached out to show support. “I’ve been praying for them.”

Though Pastor Odom admitted he feels uncertain about the idea of a religiously affiliated housing community, he emphasized his trust in the people behind it. “I’m not sure how I feel about the project itself,” he said. “But I’m absolutely sure about them. They are part of our community.”