Two arrested after theft of Gucci bag from US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

The arrests occurred separately, with the first suspect apprehended in Washington D.C., and the second in Miami, according to a statement by the U.S. Secret Service reported by CNN.

Authorities identified the first suspect as 49-year-old Mario E. Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, NBC News reported. The second suspect is believed to have been an accomplice.

The theft took place on April 20 when Noem's Gucci handbag, containing US$3,000 in cash, a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet, her passport, driver's license, apartment keys, and other critical documents, was stolen from a restaurant in Washington. Noem disclosed the theft to reporters the following day during the White House Easter Egg Roll event.

Despite her high-profile role, Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool clarified that the theft was unrelated to Noem's official duties, stating there was "no protective nexus to Secretary Noem or her role as Secretary of Homeland Security."

At least two plainclothes Secret Service agents were present at the restaurant's bar when the incident occurred.

Investigations into the theft uncovered additional criminal activities, including potential device and credit card fraud.

In a social media post, Noem thanked the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their swift response, noting that the primary suspect had been illegally residing in the country for several years and had a significant criminal history.