Photo: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia
Federal charges have been filed against Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national, for allegedly stealing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse. The incident occurred on April 20 at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. According to an Associated Press report, Bustamante Leiva faces charges of aggravated identity theft, robbery, and fraud.
Video footage captured Bustamante Leiva taking the purse while Noem dined under Secret Service protection. He later used Noem’s stolen credit cards to make purchases exceeding $200. Authorities arrested Bustamante Leiva on Saturday (April 26) and recovered Noem’s purse and wallet from his motel room. He is also suspected of stealing from two other individuals earlier this month.
A second suspect was arrested in South Florida, believed to be involved in a pattern of thefts with Bustamante Leiva. Both suspects are reportedly in the country illegally. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin Jr. confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer against Bustamante Leiva.
In a statement, Noem described the suspect as "a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years." Authorities stated there was no evidence Noem was targeted due to her position. The theft is linked to ongoing efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to intensify deportation efforts.