A second suspect has been arrested in Miami Beach for the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, as authorities uncover a coordinated operation involving illegal immigrants with extensive criminal histories.
Key Takeaways
- A second suspect has been apprehended in Miami Beach in connection with the theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse that occurred on Easter Sunday in Washington D.C.
- The primary suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, is a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the United States with an extensive criminal record linked to multiple thefts.
- The stolen handbag contained Noem’s driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, department badge, passport, and $3,000 in cash.
- Authorities determined the theft was not specifically targeted at Noem but was motivated by the luxury bag’s value.
- Five law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation, including the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Second Suspect Captured in Miami
Law enforcement officials have apprehended a second suspect in Miami Beach believed to be involved in the theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse. The individual is currently being held on an immigration detainer while authorities finalize charges. This arrest comes as part of a broader investigation that has now revealed an organized theft operation. The accomplice is believed to be connected to a series of similar thefts throughout the Washington D.C. area, working in coordination with the primary suspect who was arrested earlier.
The theft occurred on April 20, Easter Sunday, at The Capital Burger in downtown Washington while Secretary Noem was dining with her family. According to security footage, the thief used his foot to hook the bag, dragged it across the floor, and covered it with a coat before leaving the establishment. Secret Service agents were present during the incident but were positioned over 20 feet away to provide Noem privacy with her family, raising questions about security protocols for high-ranking officials.
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
Primary Suspect Identified as Illegal Immigrant
The first suspect arrested in the case has been identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national illegally present in the United States. Authorities describe Leiva as a “serial offender” with an extensive criminal history who attempted to use Noem’s credit card and access her electronic devices after the theft. His method of operation typically involved targeting purses from restaurant patrons and quickly fleeing the scene, suggesting a practiced criminal enterprise rather than opportunistic theft.
“This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years,” Noem said.
The handbag contained numerous valuable and sensitive items including Noem’s driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, department badge, passport, and $3,000 in cash. Investigators have determined that while the theft targeted a high-ranking government official, it was not politically motivated but rather focused on the luxury handbag and its contents. The theft appears to be part of a pattern of similar crimes committed by the suspects throughout the region.
Multi-Agency Investigation Continues
Five law enforcement agencies are coordinating in this high-profile investigation, including the Secret Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, local police departments, and federal authorities. The case has drawn significant attention not only because of the victim’s position as Secretary of Homeland Security but also due to the security implications of such a breach. The incident adds to scrutiny of the Secret Service, which has faced criticism following assassination attempts on President Trump the previous year.
“Public safety is strongest when built on trust and collaboration,” Special Agent Rafael Barros said.
Following the arrest of the second suspect, authorities expect to file additional charges as the investigation progresses. The interim U.S. attorney confirmed ongoing efforts to determine if more individuals might be connected to what appears to be a sophisticated theft ring. A statement from Secretary Noem’s office expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved in tracking down the suspects. The case highlights persistent concerns about illegal immigration and crime that the Trump administration has prioritized addressing.
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
