A Filipino immigrant to the United States has been arrested and now faces up to 20 years in prison for allegedly sending financial assistance to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Arrested was Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, a green card holder. He was nabbed by federal authorities in Long Beach, California.

Villanueva was arrested after law enforcement agents intercepted evidence that he was transmitting funds to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The US Department of Justice said he was charged with “attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

“Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home orabroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” stated acting US Attorney Bill Essayli.

DOJ records from the money transfer firm that made the transaction indicated thatVillanueva sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 during a five-month period to two intermediaries that accessed the money overseas.

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

ISIS, has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US government. It had been responsible for a series of deadly attacks in the US and at least 20 other countries that included Afghanistan, France and the United Kingdom.

Patrick Grandy, acting assistant director-in-charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, revealed that Villanueva has “financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the US and our interests around the world.”



The Filipino greencard holder allegedly communicated via social media with two individuals whoself-identified as ISIS fighters.

He reportedly discussed his intention to support ISIS and even offered to send money ISIS fighters to support their terrorist activities.

Villanueva had reportedly communicated his desire to fight for the extremist group himself.

He was quoted as saying that “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,” he allegedly stated.