An illegal immigrant from Chile faces charges in Washington, D.C. for allegedly stealing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse during Easter.
According to Breitbart, Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, was previously arrested in New York City for a similar theft but was released due to the city's sanctuary laws, which prevented authorities from notifying federal immigration officials about his illegal status.
The Chilean national is accused of taking Noem's bag containing $3,000 in cash, her passport, DHS access card, apartment key, and medication while she dined with her family at Capital Burger in D.C. Prior to this incident, Bustamante-Leiva had been wanted by the NYPD's warrant squad for failing to appear in court after a March theft incident in Times Square.
Bustamante-Leiva's criminal record extends beyond U.S. borders, including a notable arrest in London in 2015 for a months-long theft spree where he allegedly stole phones, wallets, and computers valued at $28,000. He also faced shoplifting charges in Utah in 2021, demonstrating a pattern of theft across multiple jurisdictions.
In the March incident, he allegedly stole a fanny pack from a Times Square shop and made unauthorized credit card purchases totaling $1,200 within 20 minutes. Despite being charged with fourth-degree felony grand larceny, he was released with only a desk appearance ticket.
The suspect's release in New York City highlights the ongoing debate about sanctuary city policies and their impact on law enforcement's ability to handle cases involving illegal immigrants accused of crimes.
A second Chilean national, Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, 51, was apprehended in Miami, Florida, in connection with the theft of Noem's purse. Law enforcement officials believe both suspects are part of a larger South American theft organization targeting wealthy Americans and legal immigrants.
Tom Homan, who served as Border Czar under the Trump administration, commented on the case by saying the suspects targeted the wrong person when they attempted to steal a purse.
The involvement of two illegal immigrants in this high-profile theft has drawn attention to current immigration policies and their potential impact on public safety.
The theft of Secretary Noem's purse has raised significant concerns about security protocols for high-ranking government officials. The incident occurred while she was having an Easter meal with her family, demonstrating the vulnerabilities that even top security officials may face in public settings.
New York City's sanctuary policies have come under scrutiny following the revelation that Bustamante-Leiva was released despite his illegal status and previous criminal activities. These policies prevented local law enforcement from coordinating with federal immigration authorities.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the possible connections between these suspects and other theft cases targeting prominent individuals across the country.
Mario Bustamante-Leiva and Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, both Chilean nationals in the United States illegally, face charges related to the theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred during an Easter meal at Capital Burger, where the suspects allegedly stole her bag containing crucial government credentials, cash, and personal items. The case has revealed potential connections to a broader South American theft ring targeting wealthy Americans while also highlighting ongoing debates about sanctuary city policies and their impact on law enforcement's ability to address crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
