Nader Elhuzayel and Muhanad Badawi were each convicted of conspiracy to aid a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
The 25-year-old Anaheim men concocted a scheme last year for Elhuzayel to fly to the Middle East to fight for the Islamic State, federal officials said.
Badawi, a college engineering student, also was convicted of aiding and abetting an attempt to provide support for terrorists and financial aid fraud. Authorities say he used a federal college grant to support the cause.
Elhuzayel also was convicted of 26 counts of bank fraud. Federal officials said he deposited stolen checks in his bank accounts and withdrew money at Orange County banks. Federal officials said he intended to use the cash to go to Syria to fight.
Also Read
He is facing up to 30 years in federal prison on each bank fraud count.
The FBI affidavit said the men shared their support for the Islamic State in conversation and on social media, sharing photos of "unbelievers" being beheaded and expressing wishes to die as "martyrs."
"These two defendants betrayed their country and sought to join ... A terrorist organization dedicated to brutally murdering innocent people," US Attorney Eileen M. Decker said in a statement.
Badawi's attorney, Kate Corrigan, had argued that he never actually intended to fight for the Islamic State but "was a lot of talk and absolutely no action." Attorneys for both men also contended that their comments were offensive but not criminal.
Elhuzayel had a First Amendment right to the comments he made on social media "even if it makes you cringe," his attorney, Pal Lengyel-Leahu, had argued.