A Long Beach resident was arrested on federal charges alleging he sent a dozen payments to individuals associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, faces charges of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he could receive up to 20 years in federal prison. Villanueva is a lawful permanent resident originally from the Philippines and is scheduled for an initial court appearance in Los Angeles.
“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, 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 an affidavit filed with the complaint, Villanueva used social media to communicate with two people who claimed they were ISIS fighters. During these exchanges, he discussed his intention to help ISIS and offered financial support for their activities.
Villanueva reportedly told one contact that he wanted to fight for ISIS himself, stating: “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.” He also said: “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.” In conversations with another individual, Villanueva claimed he had possession of weapons including a bomb and knives. Prosecutors stated that during his arrest, FBI agents found what appeared to be a bomb in his bedroom.
In February 2025 messages with one self-identified ISIS fighter, Villanueva offered money for equipment and weapons and discussed using intermediaries for transfers.
Records from Western Union show that over five months Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 through two intermediaries who accessed the funds overseas.
A criminal complaint includes allegations only; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin S. Scott of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section with assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
