By USA Daily Now 
A Chilean national, MARIO BUSTAMANTE-LEIVA, 49, accused of stealing the luxury handbag of Department of Homeland Security Secretary KRISTI NOEM, was arrested in New York City weeks prior to the high-profile theft but was released due to the city’s sanctuary policies, according to a New York Post report.
The alleged thief reportedly targeted an international student in a Times Square dosa shop earlier last month, stealing a fanny pack and racking up $1,200 in fraudulent credit card charges within just 20 minutes. Despite being issued a desk appearance ticket for fourth-degree felony grand larceny, BUSTAMANTE-LEIVA was released and failed to appear at his scheduled court date, prompting law enforcement to search for him.
On Easter Sunday, BUSTAMANTE-LEIVA allegedly struck again, this time targeting Secretary NOEM at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. He is accused of stealing her designer GUCCI bag, which reportedly contained $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, medication, and other personal items, including a LOUIS VUITTON wallet. The bag was stolen while it was on the floor near her table, according to a police complaint.
In a statement, NOEM described the theft as “professionally done,” though BUSTAMANTE-LEIVA reportedly denied knowing the bag belonged to the DHS chief.
Authorities arrested BUSTAMANTE-LEIVA six days later with the assistance of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Secret Service. He faces initial charges of robbery, with additional federal charges filed Monday accusing him of committing three robberies between April 12, 2023, and April 20, 2024. Charging documents allege that he used credit cards stolen from each victim to make fraudulent purchases, including a $205.87 meal at an Italian restaurant shortly after stealing NOEM’s bag.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows a white male suspect, wearing an N95 mask and a baseball cap, stealing the bag before leaving the crime scene.
BUSTAMANTE-LEIBA has a lengthy criminal history, including a 2021 shoplifting arrest in Utah and a 2015 arrest in London, where he was allegedly involved in a theft spree valued at $28,000.
Investigators also arrested a second suspect in connection with the theft involving NOEM. The unidentified individual is currently being held on an immigration detainer as authorities finalize charges.
The incident has reignited debates over sanctuary city policies and their impact on law enforcement and public safety.
<Sources: New York Post, Charging documents, Fox News.