Southern California Man Pleads Guilty to Financing ISIS and Planning Domestic Terrorism

Southern California Man Pleads Guilty to Financing ISIS and Planning Domestic Terrorism

A resident of Southern California has admitted to financing ISIS fighters and stockpiling a homemade explosive device. Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, aged 29, entered a guilty plea to federal terrorism charges on Tuesday, as confirmed by the Justice Department.

Villanueva acknowledged his involvement in one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, along with another count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. His incarceration began following his arrest in August 2025.

Online Communication with ISIS Fighters

The plea agreement revealed that Villanueva started communicating via social media in February 2025 with an individual claiming to be an ISIS fighter based in Syria. This communication included instructions on how to transfer money overseas.

Federal authorities disclosed that Villanueva sent over $1,600 over several months, believing these funds would facilitate the purchase of weapons and ammunition to support ISIS operations.

Allegations of Domestic Terrorism

In addition to financial support, Villanueva discussed executing operations for ISIS within the United States. Acting FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director Patrick Grandy noted in a previous statement that Villanueva’s actions indicate a significant threat to the U.S.

Grandy emphasized the importance of the Joint Terrorism Task Force in averting further financial support for terrorist activities.

Desire to Fight for ISIS

Court filings indicate that Villanueva communicated with two self-identified ISIS members. He expressed a fervent desire to fight for the organization, stating, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven. Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”

Stockpiling Explosives

Furthermore, Villanueva had informed an ISIS contact about his possession of a bomb and knives. When FBI agents executed a search of his home in Long Beach in August 2025, they discovered a homemade explosive device filled with ball bearings, nails, screws, and other metallic fragments in his bedroom.

Prosecutors revealed that Villanueva was aware that the device qualified as a firearm and a destructive device under federal law and that it was unregistered. His prior felony stalking conviction in Los Angeles Superior Court in 2017 legally prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Financial Transactions Traced

Financial records from Western Union indicated that Villanueva made a total of twelve payments, amounting to $1,615, to overseas intermediaries within five months.

Upcoming Sentencing and National Security Concerns

Villanueva is facing a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organization, along with a maximum of 15 years for the gun possession charge. U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang has scheduled sentencing for June 17.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli reaffirmed the government’s stance on the seriousness of providing support to terrorist organizations. He stated, “Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, poses a serious risk to our national security. We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force played a crucial role in investigating this case, highlighting ongoing issues related to domestic terrorism and the threat posed by individuals supporting extremist groups.

Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Matt Finn and Landon Mion.