A second suspect has been captured in connection with the Easter Sunday theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, revealing a coordinated crime involving illegal immigrants targeting luxury items.
Key Takeaways
- Law enforcement has apprehended a second suspect in Miami connected to Secretary Noem’s purse theft, following the earlier arrest of Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally in the country.
- The theft was not politically motivated but was instead aimed at Noem’s luxury handbag, which contained her passport, $3,000 cash, medication, and official credentials.
- Five law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation, including Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
- The suspects are part of what authorities describe as a professional theft ring targeting restaurant patrons in Washington D.C.
- The Secret Service faces renewed scrutiny as agents positioned 20 feet away failed to prevent the theft while Noem dined with family.
Second Suspect Apprehended in Coordinated Investigation
Federal authorities have apprehended a second suspect in connection with the theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse. The individual was captured in Miami Beach and is currently being held on an immigration detainer while charges are finalized. This arrest comes shortly after law enforcement identified and arrested the primary suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the United States. Five separate law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation, including the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, demonstrating the high-profile nature of the case and its security implications.
“Thank you to Secret Service and ICE and our law enforcement partners for finding and arresting the criminal who stole my bag on Easter Sunday as I shared a meal with my family at a Washington DC restaurant,” said a statement from Noem’s spokesperson following the initial arrest. The statement underscores the coordinated effort that has now resulted in multiple arrests as the investigation continues to expand.
NEW: 49y/o Mario Bustamante Leiva has been arrested as the suspect in @Sec_Noem purse theft—The DHS Secretary says Leiva is in the U.S. illegally.
He was charged with two counts of Robbery and faces additional charges for an offense being investigated by the United States… https://t.co/v3KkmXf7Op pic.twitter.com/hZMu1vYS7F
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) April 27, 2025
Sophisticated Theft Operation Targeted Luxury Items
Investigators have determined the theft was not politically motivated or specifically targeting Secretary Noem because of her position, but was instead focused on her expensive handbag. The incident occurred on April 20 at The Capital Burger in downtown Washington while Noem was having Easter dinner with family members. Security footage from the restaurant captured a man wearing a mask and cap skillfully using his foot to hook the bag, dragging it across the floor, and covering it with a coat before exiting the establishment – all tactics consistent with an experienced thief.
“This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years,” Noem stated following the first arrest. Matt McCool, the prosecutor handling the case, described the suspect as “a serial offender” who immediately attempted to use Noem’s credit card and access her electronic devices after the theft.
The stolen handbag contained numerous valuable and sensitive items, including Noem’s driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, official department badge, passport, and approximately $3,000 in cash. This extensive list of valuable contents likely made the bag an attractive target for the thieves, who authorities believe are connected to multiple similar crimes in the Washington area.
Security Failures and Broader Implications
The theft has raised serious questions about security protocols surrounding high-ranking government officials. Secret Service agents were present during the incident but were positioned more than 20 feet away to provide Noem privacy while dining with her family. This distance proved sufficient for the thieves to execute their plan undetected until after the fact. The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of the Secret Service, which faced significant criticism following multiple assassination attempts targeting President Trump last year.
“Public safety is strongest when built on trust and collaboration,” said Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros, emphasizing the multi-agency approach that led to the arrests. The case highlights ongoing concerns about criminal networks operating within the United States that include individuals who have entered the country illegally.
Leiva’s method reportedly involved targeting restaurant patrons specifically, stealing purses and other valuables before quickly fleeing the scene. The fact that the Secretary of Homeland Security herself fell victim to such a theft has amplified concerns about both personal safety in public spaces and broader issues related to immigration enforcement and border security that fall directly under her department’s jurisdiction.
Sources:
- Authorities Make Arrest Linked to Noem’s Stolen Purse – The New York Times
- Second suspect arrested in connection to DHS Secretary Noem’s purse snatching
