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

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva pleaded guilty to terrorism charges for funneling money to ISIS and stockpiling explosives.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A 29-year-old Southern California man named Mark Lorenzo Villanueva pleaded guilty to federal terrorism charges for funneling over $1,600 to ISIS fighters in Syria and possessing a homemade bomb packed with shrapnel in his home. Villanueva communicated with self-proclaimed ISIS fighters on social media and discussed carrying out attacks in the US on behalf of the terrorist group.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism and the ability of terrorist groups like ISIS to recruit and radicalize individuals within the United States. It also demonstrates the importance of law enforcement vigilance and cooperation in disrupting domestic terrorism plots before they can be carried out.

The details

According to court documents, Villanueva began communicating with an individual claiming to be an ISIS fighter in Syria in February 2025 and sent over $1,600 to the person to purchase weapons, ammunition, and other supplies for ISIS. Villanueva also discussed conducting operations for ISIS inside the US. When FBI agents searched his home in August 2025, they recovered a homemade explosive device packed with ball bearings, nails, and other metal fragments. Villanueva was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.

  • Villanueva began communicating with an alleged ISIS fighter in Syria in February 2025.
  • Villanueva sent over $1,600 to the ISIS fighter between February and July 2025.
  • FBI agents searched Villanueva's home and recovered the homemade bomb in August 2025.
  • Villanueva pleaded guilty to terrorism charges on January 28, 2026.

The players

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva

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

Joint Terrorism Task Force

The law enforcement task force that investigated Villanueva's case and prevented further support for ISIS.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli

The federal prosecutor who said supporting terrorist groups, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to national security.

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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 (Fox News)

“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 (Fox News)

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. His sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of homegrown violent extremism and the ability of terrorist groups like ISIS to radicalize individuals within the United States. It demonstrates the critical role of law enforcement in disrupting domestic terrorism plots before they can be carried out and the serious consequences for those who provide support to foreign terrorist organizations.