Muhanad Badawi Sentenced to 30 Years for ISIL Support

Anaheim man Muhanad Elfatih M.A. Badawi, 25, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter in Santa Ana, marks the culmination of a federal case built on social media activity, travel plans, and radicalization efforts aimed at advancing ISIL’s violent agenda.

Badawi was convicted in June following a trial that exposed his role as a recruiter, radicalizer, and facilitator for ISIL. Prosecutors argued he actively worked with co-conspirator Nader Elhuzayel, 25, also of Anaheim, to enable Elhuzayel’s travel to join the terrorist group. Judge Carter labeled Badawi “extraordinarily dangerous,” citing his deep ideological commitment and efforts to spread pro-ISIL propaganda online.

The evidence laid bare a chilling digital trail. Badawi used Facebook to post support for ISIL, advocate violence against non-Muslims, and communicate with known supporters abroad. In one recorded exchange, he and Elhuzayel discussed how “it would be a blessing to fight for the cause of Allah, and to die in the battlefield,” referring to ISIL as “we.” On October 21, 2014, Badawi filmed Elhuzayel swearing allegiance to ISIS leadership and pledging to become a fighter.

On May 21, 2015, Elhuzayel was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport attempting to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Israel with a layover in Istanbul. Badawi had purchased the one-way ticket, knowing Elhuzayel planned to exit the airport in Turkey and cross into Syria to join ISIL. In an FBI interview, Elhuzayel admitted his intent to connect with ISIL operatives upon arrival.

Both men have remained in federal custody without bond since their arrests. Three weeks prior to Badawi’s sentencing, Elhuzayel received an identical 30-year prison term. Federal prosecutors emphasized the severity of their crimes, noting that Badawi also committed financial aid fraud to fund the conspiracy—stealing taxpayer dollars to advance a terrorist cause.

“Defendant Badawi was a radicalizer, recruiter and facilitator, and like codefendant Elhuzayel, defendant Badawi aspired to die a martyr fighting jihad for ISIL,” prosecutors wrote. U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker stated the sentence reflects the threat posed by homegrown supporters of international terror. “Prosecutions such as this are critically important to our national security,” she said. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force led the investigation, underscoring the persistent domestic threat of radicalization and foreign fighter recruitment.