Illegal migrant accused of snatching Kristi Noem’s Gucci bag identified serial criminal
A Chilean national, Mario Bustamante-Leiva, was recently arrested for stealing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci bag in Washington, DC. Bustamante-Leiva, who is in the US illegally, was caught on security footage lifting the luxury shoulder bag containing $3,000 in cash, along with Noem’s driver’s license, passport, DHS badge, and apartment keys while she was dining at a restaurant with her family.
Law enforcement sources revealed that Bustamante-Leiva is believed to be part of a large East Coast robbery organization, with authorities still searching for his accomplice. Interestingly, Bustamante-Leiva has a criminal record, including a robbery spree in London in 2014 and 2015, where he stole items worth nearly $28,000.
Noem expressed gratitude to the Secret Service, ICE, and other law enforcement partners for apprehending the criminal who targeted her. She emphasized that Bustamante-Leiva is a career criminal who has been in the country illegally for years, highlighting the need to remove such criminal aliens from the streets to ensure public safety.
US Attorney Ed Martin stated that Noem was likely not targeted due to her high-profile position but rather because of the valuable contents in her Gucci bag. The suspect displayed a level of sophistication in executing the theft, indicating prior experience in such criminal activities.
With the involvement of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the case, Bustamante-Leiva and his accomplice face deportation and legal prosecution. Martin affirmed that President Trump’s directive is to charge and prosecute individuals who are in the country illegally, ensuring they do not pose a threat to American society.
Overall, the swift action taken by law enforcement authorities in apprehending Bustamante-Leiva serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat crime and uphold the rule of law. It underscores the importance of effective border control measures to prevent the entry of criminal elements into the country and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.
