DOJ Closes Civil Rights Probe into EPIC City, but Texas AG’s Investigation Persists
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded its civil rights investigation into EPIC City, a proposed Muslim-centric development in Josephine, Texas, led by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and Community Capital Partners. The investigation, launched in May 2025 following concerns raised by Sen. John Cornyn about potential religious discrimination and the enforcement of Sharia law, was closed on June 13, 2025, with no lawsuits or charges filed. The DOJ’s decision came after developers reaffirmed the project’s commitment to inclusivity and compliance with the Fair Housing Act.
EPIC City, envisioned as a mixed-use community with residential, commercial, and cultural components, has sparked both excitement and controversy in Texas. The project aims to create a welcoming environment for all, with a focus on serving the growing Muslim population in the region. However, its announcement drew scrutiny from some local residents and officials, who expressed concerns about transparency, the project’s religious focus, and alleged ties to Colony Ridge, a nearby development linked to cartel activity in public discourse.
Sen. Cornyn’s initial inquiry prompted the DOJ to examine whether EPIC City’s plans violated federal anti-discrimination laws. In response, developers, represented by attorney Dan Cogdell, provided documentation and assurances that the project would adhere to all applicable laws and welcome residents of all backgrounds. “EPIC City is about building a community that reflects shared values of opportunity and inclusion, not exclusion,” Cogdell said in a statement following the DOJ’s decision.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) hailed the DOJ’s closure of the investigation as a victory against what it described as an “Islamophobic witch hunt.” CAIR’s Texas chapter called on state officials, including Gov. Greg Abbott, to end related state-level probes and refrain from further actions that could unfairly target the Muslim community. “This investigation was rooted in baseless fearmongering,” said a CAIR spokesperson. “EPIC City is a lawful, inclusive project, and we urge Texas leaders to focus on supporting community development, not obstructing it.”
Despite the DOJ’s resolution, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office continues its separate investigation into EPIC City, focusing on potential violations of state consumer protection and fair housing laws. Paxton’s probe has drawn criticism from project supporters, who argue it perpetuates unfounded suspicions about the development’s intentions. Local residents remain divided, with some expressing skepticism about the project’s transparency and others welcoming its potential economic benefits to Josephine, a small city northeast of Dallas.
Concerns about EPIC City’s alleged connections to Colony Ridge, a controversial development in Liberty County, have also persisted. Colony Ridge has faced scrutiny for its rapid growth and reported ties to illegal activities, though EPIC City developers have categorically denied any association. “These claims are baseless and meant to derail a project that has been transparent from the start,” Cogdell said.
As EPIC City moves forward, developers are preparing to begin the permitting process in July or August 2025, with construction still years away. The project’s vision includes homes, schools, a mosque, and commercial spaces designed to foster community and cultural identity while adhering to local and federal regulations. However, ongoing state scrutiny and public debate suggest that EPIC City will remain a focal point of contention in Texas.
The closure of the DOJ investigation marks a significant step for the project, but with Paxton’s probe ongoing and local concerns unresolved, EPIC City’s path to fruition remains complex. As the permitting phase approaches, all eyes will be on Josephine to see how this ambitious development navigates the challenges ahead.