Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem fell victim to a theft at an Easter outing with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, DC. The culprit, Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national, was arrested for stealing Noem’s Gucci bag, which contained $3,000 in cash along with her driver’s license, passport, DHS badge, and apartment keys.
Bustamante-Leiva, who is in the US illegally, is believed to be part of a large East Coast robbery organization. This is not his first offense, as he was previously arrested in London in 2014 and 2015 for a similar robbery spree.
Noem expressed her gratitude to the Secret Service, ICE, and other law enforcement partners for apprehending the criminal. She highlighted the importance of President Trump’s efforts to make America safe and remove criminal aliens from the streets.
US Attorney Ed Martin mentioned that Noem was likely not targeted due to her high-profile position but rather because of the expensive Gucci bag she carried. Security footage captured Bustamante-Leiva, disguised in a mask and dark clothing, stealing the bag before leaving the restaurant.
Martin emphasized that Bustamante-Leiva and his accomplice will face charges and deportation, ensuring they will not return to the streets of America. The involvement of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the case signifies a swift action to prosecute and deport individuals who are in the country illegally.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of crime and the importance of law enforcement efforts to maintain safety and security in the country.
