Federal charges filed against illegal immigrant who allegedly stole Kristi Noem's purse
Federal charges have been filed against Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national illegally residing in the United States, for allegedly stealing a purse belonging to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The theft occurred at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. while Noem was dining with her family, and the purse contained $3,000 in cash, a DHS access card, and other personal items. Bustamante Leiva has been charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery, with accusations of committing similar crimes between April 2024 and April 2025. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts led to his identification and subsequent arrest by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service. Additional charges are pending as investigations continue into other offenses potentially committed by Bustamante Leiva.
Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national without legal status in the U.S., is accused of stealing Kristi Noem's purse, which contained valuable items, from a restaurant in Washington, D.C.
The stolen purse included $3,000 in cash, Noem's DHS access card, and personal documents like her driver's license and passport, highlighting the severity of the theft.
Federal charges against Bustamante Leiva include wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery, as he allegedly engaged in multiple thefts, using stolen credit cards for fraudulent purchases.
Security footage captured the suspect, disguised with an N95 mask and baseball cap, stealing the purse, which facilitated the identification and arrest by law enforcement.
The U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department coordinated the arrest, with additional charges anticipated as further investigations into Bustamante Leiva's activities progress.
The theft raises concerns about the security implications due to the theft of the DHS Secretary's access card and other sensitive items.
The incident has garnered significant attention, potentially impacting public perceptions of law enforcement efficacy and immigration policy, given the suspect's illegal status.