California Man Accused of Sending Money to ISIS: ‘Soon, I’ll Be Joining’

A resident of Long Beach, California, has been arrested on suspicion of funding and backing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the central district of California said that Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, communicated with two ISIS fighters via social media, telling them: “soon, I’ll be joining.”

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further comment.

Why It Matters

There has been an immigration crackdown in the U.S. against figures who are deemed enemies of the country, including gangs involved in drug and human trafficking, as well as suspected terrorists.

What To Know

Villanueva is a lawful permanent U.S. resident from the Philippines, who, according to federal prosecutors, communicated with two self-identified ISIS fighters and pledged allegiance and expressed desire to fight for the terrorist organization.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said that, in February, Villanueva offered one of the fighters payments through an intermediary. He sent a dozen payments worth $1,615 over five months, through two intermediaries overseas, according to Western Union records.

Villanueva boasted of owning a bomb and knives and said that he considered “an honor to fight and die for our faith,” adding: “someday soon, I’ll be joining.”

Images released by the FBI appeared to show an explosive device that was seized when Villanueva was arrested. He has been charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

In May, Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a 19-year-old former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, was arrested after he allegedly attempted to carry out a plan to conduct a mass shooting at a U.S. military base in Michigan on behalf of ISIS.

What People Are Saying

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, of Long Beach, told ISIS fighters, according to prosecutors: “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said on X “supporting terrorism—either foreign or domestic—is not only morally reprehensible and dangerous, but also carries severe penalties.”

Patrick Grandy, the acting assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, said that 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.”

What Happens Next

Villanueva made his first court appearance Friday, and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, which could carry a 20-year sentence in a federal prison if convicted.