Plans For Proposed Muslim Community In Texas Ends After Daily Caller Investigation, Rep. Lance Gooden Confirms
Developers and local officials canceled a proposal for a new Muslim-based city in rural Texas, according to Republican Rep. Lance Gooden, after a Daily Caller investigation reported on the plans and subsequent meetings.
Kaufman County, Texas, residents became aware in early February that a potential city was going to be built in their backyard and accused local officials of being very secretive about the deal. The Daily Caller report, and locals’ allegations that the project was an unlawful attempt to establish a “sharia city,” led Attorney General Ken Paxton to announce Feb. 9 that his office launched a formal investigation.
The proposed massive “sustainable city” development was set to accommodate up to 20,000 foreign nationals in an unincorporated area of Kaufman County, according to preliminary plans. The potential developer was SEE Holding, a UAE-based, privately held global holding group headquartered in Dubai, apparently focused on sustainability and spearheading a net-zero emissions future.
BREAKING: I’m announcing an investigation into a potentially illegal “sharia city” development in Kaufman County.
While you’re on American soil, you will obey America’s laws. pic.twitter.com/qTDzm8Hv9o
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) February 9, 2026
A resident, speaking anonymously to the Caller in February, feared that the new community was a ruse to bring around 20,000 Arab residents to rural Texas after seeing construction of the highly contentious East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC City or The Meadow). They worried about the social impact of having this community in their area and the demand on the local water supply that three new water districts would require. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
When asked for an update on the planned community after residents expressed concern about an alleged closed-door meeting March 18 with county officials, community leaders, and the developer, Republican Texas Rep. Lance Gooden told the Caller that the developers decided to withdraw their proposal from Kaufman County.
“I spoke with them directly within the past 24 hours and advised them to step back and reconsider whether this was the right time and fit for their property,” Gooden told The Daily Caller. “Following that conversation, I’m pleased to announce they’ve decided not to move forward in Kaufman County. This matter is resolved, and there is no cause for continued concern.” (RELATED: A Small-Town Immigrant Takeover In Real Time? Local Officials Don’t Want You To Know About It, Residents Fear)
The Daily Caller has reached out to Paxton, SEE Holding, and county officials connected to the proposed community for comment.
An engineering and design firm, Kimley-Horn, which was also listed in development plans, did not respond to a request for comment.
As of early Monday afternoon, Kaufman County Commissioner Terry Crow and SEE Holding had not responded to the Daily Caller’s request for comment. Attorney General Ken Paxton has also not responded to the Caller’s request for comment.
Kaufman County Judge Jakie Allen responded to the Daily Caller, saying there was “not a closed meeting” March 18.
“There was not a closed meeting, all developers are required to meet with our development services department,” Allen said. “The development services team then goes over all county codes and regulations before any plans can even get a review by them.”
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