Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Monday that his office has launched a formal investigation into a massive proposed “sustainable city” project in Kaufman County, following public reporting that raised serious concerns about what the development could really become.
The probe focuses on allegations that the Dubai-linked project may represent an unlawful attempt to establish a “sharia city” on American soil, potentially housing up to 20,000 foreign nationals in an unincorporated part of the county.
Paxton made clear that the investigation was triggered by “public reporting.” The Daily Caller reported Feb. 4 that rural Kaufman County residents were growing increasingly alarmed over what appeared to be a quiet land acquisition by SEE Holdings, a Saudi Arabian private holding group.
According to the investigation, a Dubai-based buyer represented by a Dallas law firm sought approval for three new municipal water districts to support the planned “sustainable city.” SEE Holdings is known for its net-zero developments in Dubai, which often include mosques and community features aligned with Islamic principles — perfectly normal overseas, but understandably raising eyebrows in rural Texas.
After the story broke, it quickly spread among local residents and conservative media outlets. Paxton’s office responded by issuing Requests to Examine to SEE Holding and Kaufman Solar LLC. These requests demand detailed records, including communications with local city, school, county, and state officials, corporate relationships, land purchase documents, and the project’s full development plans.
Residents told the Caller they were especially troubled by what they described as a secretive posture from local officials regarding the potential new city.
“I do know that all officials are being very careful and not putting anything in writing. Only phone calls are being answered and made. No one has had any luck communicating in writing at the moment,” said a source familiar with the project. “Which makes it super hard. Very smart on their part. I pretty much don’t believe anyone anymore with what they say they will do.”
Paxton’s investigation now puts the project under formal scrutiny, signaling that Texas will not rubber-stamp massive foreign-linked developments without transparency and accountability. For residents demanding answers and a state government willing to ask tough questions, this move shows that vigilance still matters — and in Texas, protecting communities comes first.
