Daily Caller Probe Ends Plans For Texas Sharia Law City

Developers have withdrawn their proposal for a large Muslim-focused “sustainable city” in Kaufman County, Texas, following public backlash and a state investigation, Republican Rep. Lance Gooden said.

The decision comes after weeks of scrutiny sparked by a Daily Caller report and concerns from local residents, which prompted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to launch a formal investigation on Feb. 9. Questions centered on transparency, the nature of the development, and allegations that the project could function as a “sharia city.”

The proposed development, backed by UAE-based SEE Holding, was planned for an unincorporated rural area and designed to house up to 20,000 foreign nationals as part of a net-zero emissions initiative.

TX Gov. Greg Abbott

Residents first learned of the project in early February and criticized local officials for what they described as a lack of openness. Some community members also raised concerns about potential strain on local resources, particularly water infrastructure, as well as broader social impacts.

One resident, speaking anonymously in February, said fears intensified after nearby construction tied to the East Plano Islamic Center, also known as EPIC City or The Meadow, leading some to suspect the new development would bring a large influx of Arab residents.

Concerns resurfaced in March over an alleged closed-door meeting involving county officials, community leaders, and the developer. Shortly afterward, Gooden confirmed that the developers had decided to abandon the proposal.