Support for international terrorism is alive and well in California, and the FBI is again forced to deal with someone attempting to do harm to the United States itself.

Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, originally from the Philippines, was arrested late last week and charged with the financial support of ISIS and the construction of what was believed to be a homemade bomb at his home, as The Daily Caller reported.

“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli.

“We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.”

The arrest

Agents raided the residents after it was found that Villanueva was expressing support for ISIS in online chats.

He had also sent money to those he believed to be fighters for the terrorist groups, and allegedly voiced a willingness to perpetrate violence himself.

“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,” said Patrick Grandy, the 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.”

Members of the FBI's #JTTF assisted by FBI #SWAT arrested Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, of #LongBeach, early this morning for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign #terrorist organization. Evidence of explosives were recovered during today's search. pic.twitter.com/8YAbvuZKoU

— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) August 1, 2025

"It's an honor"

According to the Department of Justice, Villanueva told one of the self-identified terrorists that Villanueva wanted to fight for ISIS.

“It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.” Villanueva also stated, “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.”

The suspect also told someone involved in the network that he was in possession of a bomb and knives.

From those around him

Records from part of the investigation also indicate that Villanueva sent support to those he believed to be ISIS 12 different times over a period of five months, totaling $1,615.

As so often happens when a high-profile arrest takes place, friends, family, and neighbors were asked about the detainee, and say that there was never any suspicion of ill intent.