Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Monday that his office has opened an investigation into a proposed development in Kaufman County that some Texans have described as an unlawful “sharia city.”
Paxton’s office is examining land purchases near Kaufman tied to SEE Holding, a Dubai-based developer, and Kaufman Solar LLC, a U.S. entity connected to the project. Public reporting has indicated the companies have acquired thousands of acres in the area for what they have described as a proposed “sustainable city.”
As part of the investigation, Paxton issued formal Requests to Examine (RTEs) to SEE Holding and Kaufman Solar LLC. The requests demand records related to the companies’ communications with local city, school, county, and state officials, the relationship between the two entities, and details surrounding the development and real estate acquisitions in Texas.
“There will be no ‘sharia city’ in Texas under my watch,” Paxton said. “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.”
Paxton’s office said the investigation will determine whether the proposed development violates Texas law, harms the state, or undermines existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, SEE Holding has explored developing a large-scale “Sustainable City USA” project on roughly 2,300 acres near Kaufman. Kaufman County officials have said developers have not submitted a formal site plan, plat, or development proposal, and developers previously told county leaders they would comply with Texas law and local regulations before seeking any approvals.
Local residents and state lawmakers have raised concerns about the project after pointing to SEE Holding’s overseas developments, some of which list mosques among their amenities. During earlier public meetings, Kaufman County officials said developers agreed to return with detailed plans and allow residents to ask questions before any approvals move forward.
Before Paxton announced the investigation, county officials said no state authority had opened a formal inquiry and described the proposal as remaining in its early stages.
Paxton’s office did not allege specific violations in its announcement. Instead, the office said the investigation will establish whether the development complies with Texas law and whether further legal action is warranted.
