California Man Admits to Funding ISIS and Planning US Attacks

29-year-old Mark Lorenzo Villanueva confessed to terrorism charges and possessing a homemade explosive device.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A 29-year-old man from Long Beach, California has admitted to federal terrorism charges after channeling over $1,600 to ISIS fighters in Syria and amassing a homemade explosive device in his home. Mark Lorenzo Villanueva confessed to attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the ability of extremist groups like ISIS to recruit and radicalize individuals within the United States. It also demonstrates the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to identify and disrupt potential terrorist plots before they can be carried out.

The details

According to federal prosecutors, Villanueva started communicating with someone claiming to be an ISIS fighter in Syria in February 2025 and sent over $1,600 to the individual over several months, believing the money would be used to purchase weapons and other resources for ISIS operations. Villanueva also discussed executing attacks for ISIS within 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.

  • In February 2025, Villanueva began communicating with someone claiming to be an ISIS fighter in Syria.
  • Over a five-month period, 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 and firearms charges.

The players

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva

A 29-year-old man from Long Beach, California who confessed to federal terrorism charges for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and possessing a homemade explosive device.

Joint Terrorism Task Force

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

Bill Essayli

The acting U.S. Attorney who stated that supporting terrorist groups is a serious threat to national security and will be aggressively prosecuted.

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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 (Newsfinale Journal)

“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 (Newsfinale Journal)

What’s next

U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang is scheduled to sentence Villanueva on June 17 for the terrorism and firearms charges, which carry a combined maximum sentence of 35 years in federal prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the need for vigilant law enforcement efforts to identify and disrupt potential terrorist plots before they can be carried out. It also highlights the ability of extremist groups like ISIS to recruit and radicalize individuals within the United States, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.