U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles assisted in the arrest of a Long Beach resident, Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, on August 1. The federal criminal complaint alleges that Villanueva sent a dozen payments to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
Villanueva, 28, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. This felony offense carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. He is described as a lawful permanent resident originally from the Philippines. His initial court appearance was scheduled for the afternoon of August 4 at the United States District Court in Los Angeles.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli commented on the case, stating, “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.”
Patrick Grandy, acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office, said: “Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the U.S. and our interests around the world. Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners, we safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.”
The investigation into individuals suspected of supporting foreign terrorist organizations continues as part of ongoing efforts by federal law enforcement agencies.
