A California resident was arrested Friday on federal charges for allegedly sending over $1,600 to intermediaries tied to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, a permanent resident of Long Beach and native of the Philippines, has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He made his initial court appearance Friday in Los Angeles.
Federal prosecutors allege Villanueva communicated with two self-identified ISIS fighters via social media. In those conversations, he expressed support for ISIS and offered financial help.
“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith,” he allegedly wrote. “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
Over a span of five months, Villanueva made 12 payments totaling $1,615 to two intermediaries who received the funds overseas, according to Western Union records cited by the DOJ.
During Villanueva’s arrest, FBI agents recovered what appeared to be an explosive device from his bedroom.
Members of the FBI’s #JTTF assisted by FBI #SWAT arrested Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, of #LongBeach, early this morning for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign #terrorist organization. Evidence of explosives were recovered during today’s search. pic.twitter.com/8YAbvuZKoU
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) August 1, 2025
“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,” said Patrick Grandy, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.
Villanueva remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to return to court in September.
