A 28-year-old Long Beach resident was arrested on federal charges alleging he sent money to individuals linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, according to a Department of Justice (DOJ) Press Release.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident originally from the Philippines, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Villanueva made his initial appearance in United States District Court in Los Angeles last week. “Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”
“Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” said Patrick Grandy, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.”
According to a criminal complaint unsealed, Villanueva had communicated via social media with two individuals who identified themselves as ISIS fighters. During those conversations, he allegedly expressed his willingness to support ISIS both financially and physically.
“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven,” Villanueva reportedly said to one of the contacts. He also added, “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
Villanueva claimed to be in possession of a bomb and knives and allegedly told one of the contacts he was ready to take action. When the FBI arrested Villanueva on Monday morning of last week, agents reportedly recovered what appeared to be a bomb from his bedroom.
In a February 2025 exchange, Villanueva offered to send money to one of the self-identified ISIS fighters, asking whether the funds would “cover your equipment and your weapons.” Investigators say he transferred money using intermediaries to obscure the financial trail.
Records from Western Union show Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 over five months to two intermediaries who accessed the funds abroad.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation.
