Colony Ridge Developers File Defamation Lawsuit Against Alex Jones and Pete Chambers

The developers behind Colony Ridge, a sprawling housing community in Liberty County, Texas, have launched a legal challenge against right-wing media personality Alex Jones and former gubernatorial candidate Pete Chambers. The lawsuit, filed in late May 2026, alleges that the defendants engaged in defamation during a February interview concerning the development’s operations and its residents.

Background of the Dispute

Colony Ridge has grown significantly over the past decade, transforming a large forested area northeast of Houston into a community housing approximately 40,000 residents. The development, which spans more than 12,000 acres, has become a notable source of affordable housing, offering various plots and completed homes priced under $200,000.

The development became a focal point of political scrutiny starting in 2023. As migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border increased, Republican state leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, initiated investigations into the community. These officials suggested the area could be linked to illegal immigration and criminal activity. Despite these concerns, state police operations conducted in the area did not uncover high levels of crime or wrongdoing by the developers.

Federal Scrutiny and Settlement

In late 2023, the federal government initiated a lawsuit against Colony Ridge, alleging the use of predatory lending and dishonest sales practices. The government claimed the company targeted buyers with limited credit histories and engaged in problematic foreclosure resales.

A settlement was reached regarding these allegations, requiring the developers to commit $68 million toward infrastructure improvements and expanded law enforcement services. The presiding federal judge expressed reservations about the settlement, noting that the terms appeared disconnected from the specific fair housing violations originally alleged, and subsequently declined to oversee the implementation of the agreement.

The Defamation Lawsuit

The current legal action filed by the owners of Colony Ridge centers on a video interview that aired on February 6. According to the court filing, the interview and associated social media promotional materials characterized the development as a “sanctuary city” under the control of Mexican drug cartels and claimed it was occupied by residents who were “mostly illegal.”

John Harris, one of the owners of the development, stated that the company decided to pursue legal action to address what they categorize as false and defamatory claims. Chris Hilton, counsel for the owners, noted that the decision to sue Mr. Jones was influenced by the significant reach of his platform. The lawsuit seeks to challenge these characterizations, which the developers argue have unfairly damaged the reputation of the community.

Growth and Future Outlook

Despite the ongoing legal and political challenges, Colony Ridge continues to expand. The community, particularly the Santa Fe section, has seen the addition of new commercial strips and infrastructure projects, including a charter school high school. Developers have indicated that they are actively seeking to attract larger commercial tenants to support the growing population.

Key Takeaways

• Legal Action: The owners of Colony Ridge have sued Alex Jones and Pete Chambers for defamation regarding claims made in a February video segment.
• Previous Investigations: State-level investigations into the development by Texas officials did not result in findings of wrongdoing or high crime rates.
• Federal Settlement: A federal lawsuit alleging predatory lending was settled with a $68 million commitment to local infrastructure and law enforcement, though the presiding judge questioned the terms of the agreement.
• Community Growth: The development continues to expand, with new commercial and educational facilities currently under construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colony Ridge?
Colony Ridge is a large-scale residential development located in Liberty County, Texas, providing affordable housing options for approximately 40,000 residents.

Why is the development the subject of a lawsuit?
The developers are suing Alex Jones and Pete Chambers for defamation, alleging that the pair broadcast false claims regarding the community’s management and the legal status of its residents.

Has there been evidence of criminal activity in the development?
Law enforcement presence in the area has not resulted in findings of widespread crime or illegal activity attributed to the developers.