Secret Service Watched Thief Take $3K, DHS Badge, Passport — All Gone in Seconds
Kristi Noem 2025. Photo by Tia Dufour. Public domain.
A thief just pulled off one of the boldest snatch-and-grabs in recent political memory — swiping a handbag from the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in the middle of downtown Washington, D.C. The bag didn't just have lip gloss and receipts — it held $3,000 in cash, a government-issued DHS access badge, her passport, and even blank checks. And yes, that's all from the purse of Kristi Noem — also known as "ICE Barbie" — President Donald Trump's hardline homeland security chief.
Who Is Kristi Noem?
Kristi Noem has become one of the most recognizable — and polarizing — figures in Trump's second-term cabinet. Formerly the governor of South Dakota, Noem is known for her combative rhetoric, tough stance on immigration, and camera-ready law enforcement fashion. Her nickname, "ICE Barbie," comes from her frequent photo ops dressed in tactical gear and border patrol vests — an image that has made her a favorite among Trump loyalists and a target for critics.
Her rapid rise in Republican politics, along with her high visibility, has put her squarely in the national spotlight. But this time, the headlines are about something far less flattering — and potentially more dangerous.
What Happened?
Noem was dining at Capital Burger with her family on Easter Sunday when her purse was stolen by an unidentified man wearing a medical mask. Despite being protected by the Secret Service, the thief managed to walk out of the restaurant with a bag full of personal and potentially sensitive items, raising major questions about operational security at the highest levels of government.
"Her entire family was in town including her children and grandchildren – she was using the withdrawal to treat her family to dinner, activities, and Easter gifts," a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said, as reported by Fox News.
What Was Inside the Stolen Bag?
The list of stolen items confirmed missing by a DHS spokesperson:
- Department of Homeland Security access badge
- Passport
- $3,000 in cash
- Driver's license
- Apartment keys
- Medication
- Blank checks
- Makeup bag
The Masked Thief
According to security footage reviewed by the Secret Service, the suspect was a White male wearing a medical mask. He was caught on camera entering the Capital Burger restaurant and then exiting with Noem's handbag shortly afterward, as reported by CNN.
Despite the presence of her Secret Service detail, the thief managed to slip away undetected — a stunning lapse in protection for a high-ranking member of the president’s cabinet. The Secret Service has since launched a formal investigation and is working with law enforcement to determine whether any of Noem's financial instruments have been used.
Is This a National Security Concern?
Experts say yes — and they're not sugarcoating it.
A former Secret Service agent told CNN the incident represents a serious security failure and needs immediate review. While no classified documents were reported missing, the presence of a DHS access badge and passport in the stolen bag is more than enough to warrant concern, especially given Noem's high-profile public role and the symbolic value she represents to both domestic and foreign threats.
Law enforcement officials are reportedly monitoring for any misuse of the badge or financial materials and are evaluating whether any part of DHS’s internal access protocols need to be adjusted in response to the theft.
"Washington, D.C., must become CLEAN and SAFE again! We need our Great Police back on the street, with no excuses from the Mayor, or anyone else. The House should take up the D.C. funding "fix" that the Senate has passed, and get it done IMMEDIATELY," Trump posted to Truth Social last month, as reported by Fox News.
Noem's Response
Speaking at the White House Easter Egg Roll the day after the theft, Noem confirmed that her purse had been stolen and that the matter was unresolved. A DHS spokesperson also verified the timeline and said her family had been visiting for the holiday weekend.
Noem has not issued any additional statements and has kept a low profile since the incident. There is no public indication that she plans to alter her personal security practices, though sources within DHS suggest the department is reviewing how agents handle Cabinet members' private outings.
What Happens Next?
The Secret Service and local law enforcement remain tight-lipped about the status of the investigation, but security analysts say the response to this case will likely impact how personal and non-official events are staffed and secured going forward.
Meanwhile, Kristi Noem's critics and supporters alike are watching closely — not just to see if her stolen belongings are recovered, but to determine whether this alarming breach turns into something more than a one-off theft.
References: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's bag, including $3,000 in cash, is stolen from DC restaurant | ICE Barbie Kristi Noem's purse stolen during dinner in DC including $3,000 cash, blank checks and makeup | DHS chief Kristi Noem's purse stolen with thousands of dollars in DC restaurant: sources
