Adrian
An illegal migrant accused of stealing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem‘s luxury handbag was arrested in New York City weeks earlier but released due to the city’s sanctuary policies, according to a report by the New York Post. 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 and racking 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, Fox News reported. Due to New York City’s sanctuary city laws, federal immigration officials were not notified of his arrest. Bustamante-Leiva failed to appear for his court date on March 19, becoming a fugitive while authorities actively searched for him.
The suspect allegedly targeted Noem on Easter Sunday while she dined with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. He denied knowing the bag belonged to the Homeland Security chief, a prominent advocate for strict immigration enforcement. The stolen Gucci bag contained approximately $3,000 in cash, Noem’s driver’s license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton wallet.
Bustamante-Leiva was arrested on Saturday by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service. Federal charges were filed on Monday, 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 him spending $205.87 at an Italian restaurant shortly after stealing Noem’s bag.
Reports reveal Bustamante-Leiva is a career criminal with a history spanning multiple countries. His record includes a 2021 shoplifting arrest in Utah and a 2015 arrest in London for a theft spree involving $28,000 in stolen items.
A second suspect, believed to be Bustamante-Leiva’s accomplice, was also arrested in connection with the theft. The individual is currently held on an immigration detainer as charges are finalized.
Bustamante-Leiva is detained in a Washington, D.C., jail awaiting transfer to New York officials. He will need to return to D.C. for court proceedings.
[Source: New York Post](https://nypost.com) | [Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
