Context:

Residents of Kaufman, Texas, are expressing concerns over the potential establishment of a Muslim community, fueled by a plan from a Middle Eastern investor to build a sustainable city on 2,000 acres near a solar farm. Local officials, including the Kaufman County Commissioner, have been accused of keeping the project under wraps despite its implications for the community, including water supply concerns and social integration challenges. Amidst rising anxiety about the influx of foreign residents, Republican lawmakers are demanding transparency and community involvement in the planning process. The approval for new municipal water districts tied to the project has been postponed, leaving residents awaiting further developments as tensions rise.

Dive Deeper:

• Residents initially became aware of the potential settlement through a Facebook post on January 30, 2026, which speculated about a new city funded by Saudi investors intending to bring over 20,000 people to Kaufman.

• The proposed city is linked to SEE Holding, a Dubai-based firm focused on sustainability, which requires approval for new municipal water districts from the Kaufman County Commission before proceeding.

• Republican Rep. Lance Gooden has voiced his strong opposition to any community including mosques or religious structures, stating that community engagement is crucial before he can support the project.

• Concerns have also been raised regarding the local water infrastructure's capacity to support additional districts, especially during drought seasons, prompting fears about resource strain.

• The Kaufman County Commissioners Court removed the approval for the water districts from the agenda just days before a planned vote on February 10, suggesting ongoing negotiations with the developers.

• A resident's apprehension is compounded by recent events in nearby communities, which heightened fears of cultural clashes stemming from an influx of new residents from different backgrounds.

• The local officials' reluctance to communicate details in writing has led to suspicions about transparency and the motivations behind the project's development.