A 28-year-old Long Beach man is behind bars after federal authorities accused him of financially supporting ISIS and constructing what appeared to be a homemade bomb inside his home.
Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident originally from the Philippines, was arrested Friday morning after FBI agents raided his residence on the 3000 block of Caspian Avenue. According to federal prosecutors, Villanueva expressed support for ISIS in online chats, sent money overseas to people he believed were fighters for the terrorist group, and even claimed he had the tools — and the willingness — to carry out violence himself.
Neighbors told KTLA that Villanueva didn’t raise suspicions.
“I don’t know what to think. It’s kind of scary,” said Heliodoro Becerra, who lives nearby. “You see your neighbors, but you don’t see what they’re doing inside their house.”
Agents with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force said they recovered several knives and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device from Villanueva’s bedroom. The device was reportedly loaded with ball bearings and wrapped in cellophane, with red and black wires attached. The U.S. Attorney’s Office released photos of the object.
Authorities say Villanueva used social media to communicate with individuals claiming to be ISIS fighters, pledging allegiance and expressing a desire to join their cause. In one exchange, prosecutors say he wrote, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.”
He allegedly went on to say, “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”
He also offered financial support. According to court documents, Villanueva asked one purported ISIS contact if his money would help cover the cost of weapons and equipment. Records show that between February and July 2025, Villanueva sent a dozen payments totaling $1,615 through Western Union to intermediaries who accessed the funds overseas.
Retired Marine intelligence officer Hal Kempfer cautioned that Villanueva may have been communicating with undercover law enforcement rather than actual terrorists.
“There is nothing in the criminal complaint that makes it clear he was actually talking to ISIS,” Kempfer said. “He could very well have been talking to law enforcement working undercover online.”
Still, authorities say the case highlights the ongoing threat of homegrown extremism. “You probably wouldn’t notice a neighbor who is self-radicalizing online at night,” Kempfer added.
Villanueva appeared in federal court Friday afternoon, where a magistrate judge ordered him held without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 15 at the Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles.
“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” said Acting U.S. 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,” added 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.”
Villanueva faces a felony charge of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
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