Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty to Stealing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Bag, Faces Deportation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 25, 2025 — Mario Bustamante-Leiva, an illegal immigrant, has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a series of thefts in Washington, D.C., including the theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci handbag, according to court records.

The 49-year-old Chilean national admitted to wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft in connection with multiple incidents that occurred between April 12 and April 20. During this period, Bustamante-Leiva allegedly stole purses from restaurant patrons, including Noem’s bag, which contained $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, medication, a makeup bag, blank checks, a DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton wallet.

Authorities said the theft of Noem’s bag took place while she was dining with her family on Easter at The Capital Burger. Security footage showed a man wearing an N95 mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap taking the bag from the floor beside her table and leaving the restaurant.

Following each theft, Bustamante-Leiva reportedly used the victims’ credit cards to make fraudulent purchases. He was arrested on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.

Court filings indicate that Bustamante-Leiva acknowledged he is subject to removal from the United States upon completion of his sentence. The charges he faces carry significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for wire fraud, and up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000 for first-degree theft. Sentencing guidelines also recommend additional fines, forfeitures, and restitution as determined by the judge.

Federal authorities noted that Bustamante-Leiva has eight prior convictions abroad and has served seven separate jail terms in Chile and the United Kingdom.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about thefts targeting patrons in Washington, D.C., restaurants, with Bustamante-Leiva allegedly stealing purses from the backs of chairs before fleeing the scene.

Fox News reached out to the Department of Justice for further comment.