Two Arrested in Kristi Noem Purse Theft

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse, containing $3,000 in cash, IDs, and official items, was stolen while she dined with her family at a Washington, D.C. restaurant on Easter Sunday. Authorities arrested Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national living illegally in the U.S., who is accused of being a serial offender connected to multiple similar thefts. A second alleged accomplice, also an illegal migrant, was later arrested in Miami, with both suspects linked to an organized East Coast robbery ring. The Secret Service and ICE said the crime appeared opportunistic rather than politically motivated, and investigators uncovered attempts at credit card and device fraud. The case is proceeding in federal court. The incident has reignited debate over immigration enforcement and security for public officials.