Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a new investigation into what he described as a potentially unlawful “sharia city” development in Kaufman County, marking the latest escalation in the state’s scrutiny of large-scale developments alleged to operate outside Texas law.
Public reporting has shown that a U.S. subsidiary of the Dubai-based development firm SEE Holding, working in connection with Kaufman Solar LLC, has acquired thousands of acres of land near Kaufman, Texas. According to Paxton, the project has been described by its backers as a “sustainable city,” but critics have raised concerns that the development could facilitate the relocation of as many as 20,000 foreign nationals and function as a religiously governed enclave.
Paxton said his office is investigating whether the project violates Texas law and undermines state sovereignty. As part of the probe, the Attorney General has issued Requests to Examine to SEE Holding and Kaufman Solar LLC, compelling the companies to turn over documents and information related to the project.
The requests seek records of communications between the companies and local city, school district, county, and state officials, details about the relationship between SEE Holding and Kaufman Solar LLC, and information tied to real estate acquisitions and development plans in Texas.
“There will be no ‘sharia city’ in Texas under my watch,” said Paxton. “While you’re on American soil, you will obey America’s laws. I have launched this investigation to determine the nature of this development in Kaufman County and will be thoroughly investigating this matter for any unlawful actions.”
The new investigation comes as Paxton is already pursuing legal action against another controversial development tied to similar concerns. In December, the Attorney General filed suit against the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), Community Capital Partners, and several of their leaders, alleging violations of Texas securities law connected to the EPIC City project in Collin and Hunt counties.
In that case, Paxton accused the developers of engaging in fraudulent investment practices and attempting to create a religiously restricted development in violation of state law.
The EPIC City lawsuit remains ongoing.
SEE Holding did not respond to a request for comment.
