Illegal Migrant Accused of Stealing DHS Secretary KRISTI NOEM’s Purse Previously Arrested in NYC, Released Under Sanctuary Laws

An illegal migrant accused of stealing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary KRISTI NOEM‘s purse was arrested in New York City weeks earlier but released due to the city’s sanctuary policies, according to a New York Post report. MARIO BUSTAMANTE LEIVA, a 49-year-old Chilean national, was arrested in Times Square after allegedly swiping a fanny pack from an international student from India inside a dosa shop. The victim reported that BUSTAMANTE LEIVA racked up $1,200 in fraudulent credit card charges within 20 minutes.

The NYPD issued BUSTAMANTE LEIVA a desk appearance ticket for fourth-degree felony grand larceny and released him. Due to New York City’s sanctuary laws, federal immigration officials were not notified of his arrest. BUSTAMANTE LEIVA subsequently failed to appear for his court date, prompting law enforcement to search for him.

This allowed BUSTAMANTE LEIVA to allegedly target KRISTI NOEM on Easter Sunday while she dined with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. He is accused of stealing NOEM‘s luxury Gucci bag, which contained approximately $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet. The bag was reportedly on the floor at her table when it was taken.

BUSTAMANTE LEIVA was arrested on Saturday by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Secret Service, initially charged with two counts of robbery. On Monday, the U.S. Secret Service filed federal criminal charges against him, accusing him of committing three robberies between April 12, 2024, and April 20, 2025, and making fraudulent purchases using stolen credit cards.

Security footage allegedly shows BUSTAMANTE LEIVA spending $205.87 on food and alcohol at an Italian restaurant shortly after stealing NOEM‘s bag. The suspect was described as a white man wearing an N95 surgical mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap.

BUSTAMANTE LEIVA is reportedly a career criminal with a history of theft, including a 2021 shoplifting arrest in Utah and a 2015 arrest in London for a months-long theft spree involving $28,000 worth of phones, wallets, and computers.

A second man, believed to be BUSTAMANTE LEIVA‘s accomplice, was also arrested in connection with the theft of NOEM‘s purse. The accomplice’s identity has not been released, but officials confirmed he is being held on an immigration detainer as charges are finalized.

Sources: [New York Post](https://nypost.com), [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)