A second individual has been arrested in connection with the theft of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary KRISTI NOEM‘s purse, which occurred while she was dining with her family on Easter Sunday. Authorities apprehended the alleged accomplice in Miami on Sunday, following a collaborative effort between the Secret Service and local law enforcement.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, is believed to be a co-conspirator in a series of thefts in Washington, D.C., including the robbery targeting Secretary NOEM. The individual is currently being held on an immigration detainer as charges are finalized.
RAFAEL BARROS, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service, emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring public safety. “Public safety is strongest when built on trust and collaboration,” BARROS stated. “We are grateful to the Miami Beach Police Department for their swift and outstanding assistance in today’s apprehension.”
This arrest follows the earlier detention of MARIO BUSTAMANTE LEIVA, a 49-year-old illegally present Chilean national, who was identified as the primary suspect in the theft. LEIVA is accused of stealing purses from restaurant patrons, including Secretary NOEM‘s luxury bag, which contained $3,000 in cash, personal documents, and other valuables. He faces multiple charges, including robbery and offenses under investigation by the Secret Service.
Secretary NOEM expressed her gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts. “Thank you to the Secret Service, ICE, and our law enforcement partners for finding and arresting the criminal who stole my bag on Easter Sunday,” she said in a statement. “This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.”
The Secret Service confirmed that the theft was not targeted at Secretary NOEM or her role as DHS Secretary. Retired NYPD Inspector and Fox News contributor PAUL MAURO echoed this sentiment, stating, “This was not targeted. This is pretty much the bottom of the criminal food chain. They just wanted to make money and get away with it.”
The incident occurred at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., where NOEM was dining with her family. Security footage captured a suspect in a surgical mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap stealing the bag from the floor near her table. “It was very professionally done,” NOEM recounted. “It tells that this happens all the time to people and reaffirms why I am here.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about crime and immigration enforcement, with NOEM emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect American families. “Unfortunately, so many families in this country have been made victims by crime,” she said. “That’s why President Trump is working every single day to make America safe and get these criminal aliens off of our streets.”
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