Border czar Tom Homan has strong words for the suspects involved in a brazen Easter Sunday theft targeting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Washington, D.C.
According to Daily Caller, former ICE Director Tom Homan emphasized that the thieves "picked the wrong person" when they stole Secretary Noem's purse containing approximately $3,000 in cash, her driver's license, and DHS access badge.
The incident occurred while Noem was dining with her family on Easter Sunday. The primary suspect, identified as Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national, managed to execute the theft despite the presence of plainclothes Secret Service officers. A second suspect, also reportedly in the country illegally, was arrested in connection with the crime.
The theft appeared carefully orchestrated, with the suspect wearing a medical mask during the incident. Secretary Noem later described the crime as "very professionally done" during an appearance on the "Vince" podcast.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin confirmed that Bustamante-Leiva was in the country illegally. The suspect's criminal history extends internationally, with previous convictions for a theft spree in London.
Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Washington Field Office, announced the arrest of the primary suspect. Noem herself characterized the perpetrator as a career criminal with a long history of illegal presence in the United States.
Tom Homan, speaking to Daily Caller White House Correspondent Reagan Reese, dismissed reports of any friction between himself and Secretary Noem, stating they "are attached to the hip."
Border security has become a central focus of the investigation, highlighting concerns about illegal immigration and crime. The incident has drawn attention to the broader implications of border control policies.
Homan's comments reflect his strong support for Noem's leadership:
I don't have their criminal history but I know the one who stole the purse is supposedly in the country illegally. Picked the wrong person to steal a purse from. I mean, Secretary Noem's a strong, strong secretary.
Multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated in the investigation and subsequent arrests. The Secret Service faced scrutiny over how the suspect managed to evade detection both before and after the theft.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that authorities quickly identified and apprehended both suspects. The second suspect's identity remains undisclosed, though officials confirmed their illegal status in the country.
The recovery efforts for Noem's stolen items, including her crucial DHS credentials, became a priority for law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
The Easter Sunday theft of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse has resulted in the arrest of two suspects, including Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a Chilean national with an international criminal record. The incident occurred in Washington, D.C., while Noem dined with family, leading to the theft of cash, identification, and sensitive DHS credentials. The suspects, both confirmed to be in the country illegally, now face criminal charges as the case proceeds through the justice system. The incident has sparked discussions about border security and highlighted vulnerabilities in protection protocols for high-ranking government officials.
