Federal prosecutors have indicted a former campaign worker for Abdul El-Sayed, a prominent figure in Michigan politics, among a dozen anti-Israel activists accused of terrorizing members of the state's Jewish community. Mariam Odeh, 24, was among eight individuals initially indicted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. Prosecutors allege the group conspired to threaten University of Michigan officials and damage property to compel the university to sever ties with Israel.
The number of alleged conspirators expanded to 12 on Friday with additional indictments, according to federal prosecutors. Odeh, who had previously worked for El-Sayed's Michigan Senate campaign, was charged in June for her alleged role in the scheme. Records obtained by The Detroit News indicated Odeh was paid by the campaign for a two-week period, ending on April 15.
An El-Sayed spokesperson confirmed Odeh's employment as an hourly worker for the campaign, stating she earned nearly $750 during her tenure. Federal authorities allege Odeh was part of a group of pro-Palestinian activists who orchestrated harassment and intimidation tactics against school officials. These actions reportedly included vandalizing board members' homes, placing fake corpses on lawns, and spray-painting anti-Israel slogans in front of the university president's residence.
Prosecutors also claim the group damaged property, including breaking windows and throwing jars of noxious chemicals into homes. The alleged incidents were reportedly documented and shared on social media with threats such as "you cannot hide." Odeh is further accused of participating in the vandalism of a Detroit business in 2024, where the group allegedly padlocked doors and spray-painted slogans like "FREE PALESTINE" and "LONG LIVE THE INTIFADA."
Odeh faces a charge of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate and foreign commerce, a charge that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison, according to The Detroit News. The recent indictments include four more individuals, two of whom are reportedly still at large, facing charges for alleged intimidation targeting university leadership, law enforcement, and businesses perceived to have ties to Israel.
Representatives for the El-Sayed campaign and Odeh's attorneys did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.