WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chilean migrant Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, was arrested after allegedly stealing a Gucci bag containing $3,000 in cash from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during an Easter Sunday meal at Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., law enforcement sources told The New York Post.
Bustamante-Leiva, who was wearing an N95 mask, dark pants, a fur-trimmed jacket, and a ball cap, was captured on surveillance footage taking the bag from the upscale burger restaurant, located just a mile from the White House. The stolen items included cash, Noem’s passport, driver’s license, DHS badge, and apartment keys.
According to U.S. Attorney Ed Martin, Noem likely wasn’t targeted for her political position, but rather for her luxury handbag. Authorities believe Bustamante-Leiva is part of a wider East Coast robbery network involving other illegal migrants.
A second suspect was arrested in Miami and is being held under a deportation notice while charges are processed. Both men are believed to have committed similar crimes across the country.
Bustamante-Leiva is no stranger to crime. In 2015, he was arrested in London for a five-month robbery spree, during which he stole nearly £28,000 worth of electronics and valuables, according to the Daily Mail.
Following the arrest, Noem posted on social media:
“Thank you to @SecretService @ICEgov and our law enforcement partners for finding and arresting the criminal who stole my bag… This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.”
Martin confirmed that both suspects will be permanently banned from reentering the United States.
“President Trump’s direction is clear: we charge, prosecute, and deport these individuals. He [Bustamante-Leiva] won’t be back on the streets of America.”
