California Man Admits Funding ISIS, Plotting US Attacks with Homemade Bomb

29-year-old pleads guilty to terrorism charges after sending over $1,600 to ISIS and possessing an explosive device

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:15pm

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A 29-year-old Southern California man named Mark Lorenzo Villanueva has pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges for funneling over $1,600 to ISIS fighters overseas and stockpiling a homemade bomb packed with metal fragments in his home. Villanueva communicated with self-identified ISIS members on social media and discussed carrying out operations for the terrorist group inside the United States.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown extremism and the ability of terrorist groups like ISIS to recruit and radicalize American citizens to provide financial and logistical support. It also underscores the challenges law enforcement face in detecting and disrupting domestic terrorism plots before they can be carried out.

The details

According to court records, Villanueva began communicating with an individual claiming to be an ISIS fighter in Syria in February 2025 and sent over a dozen payments totaling $1,615 to overseas intermediaries over the next five months to support ISIS operations. When FBI agents searched his home in August 2025, they recovered a homemade explosive device packed with ball bearings, nails, screws and other metal fragments. Villanueva was legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony stalking conviction.

  • In February 2025, Villanueva began communicating on social media with an individual claiming to be an ISIS fighter in Syria.
  • Over a five-month period in 2025, Villanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 to overseas intermediaries.
  • In August 2025, FBI agents searched Villanueva's home and recovered a homemade explosive device.
  • On June 17, Villanueva is scheduled to be sentenced for the terrorism charges.

The players

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva

A 29-year-old Southern California man who pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges for providing financial support to ISIS and possessing a homemade bomb.

Patrick Grandy

The Acting FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director who credited the Joint Terrorism Task Force with preventing further support for ISIS.

Bill Essayli

The Acting U.S. Attorney who said supporting a terrorist group is a serious risk to national security and that they will aggressively prosecute anyone who provides support to enemies.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Patrick Grandy, Acting FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director (foxnews.com)

“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security. We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”

— Bill Essayli, Acting U.S. Attorney (foxnews.com)

What’s next

Villanueva faces up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization and up to 15 years for the firearm charge. U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang is scheduled to sentence him on June 17.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown extremism and the ability of terrorist groups like ISIS to recruit and radicalize American citizens to provide financial and logistical support. It highlights the challenges law enforcement face in detecting and disrupting domestic terrorism plots before they can be carried out.