UPDATED
U.S. attorney says he was ‘arrested for throwing a tear gas canister’ at agents
A California State University faculty group is demanding the release of a professor it claims was “kidnapped” for no reason by federal agents.
The California Faculty Association, an “anti-racism, social justice union” that has 29,000 members, claimed on Instagram Saturday that “four masked agents” put CSU Channel Islands professor Jonathan Caravello into an unmarked vehicle “without identifying themselves” or giving a reason for the arrest.
According to KTLA, Caravello (pictured) was part of a Thursday demonstration protesting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at the Glass House Farms marijuana facility.
The university confirmed that Caravello, who teaches philosophy and math, was in federal custody, saying in a statement “At this time, it is our understanding that Professor Caravello was peacefully participating in a protest – an act protected under the First Amendment and a right guaranteed to all Americans.
“If confirmed, we stand with elected officials and community leaders calling for his immediate release.”
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But U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted on X Sunday afternoon that Caravello “was not ‘kidnapped’ by federal agents” but “was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement.”
Officially, Caravello is charged with “assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.” He has a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
Professor Jonathan Caravello was not “kidnapped” by federal agents. He was arrested for throwing a tear gas canister at law enforcement. He is charged with a violation of 18 USC 111 and will have a court appearance tomorrow. https://t.co/QrIivjrthd
— U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) July 13, 2025
In a Friday Instagram statement, the CFA said it “band[s] with immigrant communities” to help protect them from the “invasion of ICE, Department of Homeland Security, National Guard, and local law enforcement,” and claimed the Trump administration “continues to terrorize” immigrants.
On Sunday, the group posted Caravello “has been located in Los Angeles” and noted three ways to “support” him, which includes being present upon his release from custody.
On Monday, Caravello was released on bail from federal custody; he is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 1, the Ventura Star reported.
His attorney said he vows to fight the charges and the CFA celebrated his release, the newspaper reported.
According to his faculty page, Caravello’s research interests include epistemology, rationality, and “transcendental arguments.”
Editor’s note: This post has been updated to reflect that Caravello has been released from jail on bail.
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IMAGE CAPTION & CREDIT: Prof. Jonathan Caravello CSU photo; Julie Hamill/X