A second suspect arrested in connection with the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse had previously been ordered removed from the United States but was allowed to remain in the country.
Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, a Chilean national, was taken into custody in Miami following the theft, which occurred while Noem was dining with her family in Washington, D.C. The stolen purse contained $3,000 in cash, Noem’s passport, her driver’s license, a Department of Homeland Security badge, and apartment keys.
Montecino-Sanzana had first been detained after attempting to illegally cross the southern U.S. border in December 2020. He was issued a notice of expedited removal but was later released into the country in January 2021.
Authorities also arrested Mario Bustamante-Leiva, another Chilean national, in connection to the theft. Investigators believe both men may be linked to a broader East Coast robbery ring targeting high-profile thefts.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate whether the suspects are tied to additional crimes across the country.