U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Roberts Nemiro, a Latvian national and former contestant on the Latvian version of "Dancing with the Stars," in San Francisco on Tuesday. Authorities stated Nemiro overstayed his visa and has a criminal history including aggravated assault with a gun, sexual battery, and drug-related offenses.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Nemiro entered the United States on a visa in October 2011 and remained in the country after it expired in August 2012. His documented criminal history includes convictions for aggravated assault of a non-family member with a firearm and disorderly conduct. DHS also indicated he has faced arrests on charges of battery, sexual battery, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
"This illegal alien from Latvia may have once had a career as a professional dancer on TV, but has turned into a career criminal with a rap sheet that includes aggravated assault with a gun, sexual battery, and drug possession," stated DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "ICE is bringing the curtain down on his illegal stay and crime spree here in the U.S."
The arrest occurred after a referral from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Nemiro is currently in removal proceedings. DHS highlighted the case as part of the Trump administration's focus on immigration enforcement, particularly concerning noncitizens accused or convicted of violent crimes, and has criticized sanctuary policies in California, which it argues hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts.
ICE has pointed to several recent cases in California involving individuals arrested or sought by the agency, asserting that the state's sanctuary policies have impeded their work. Representatives for ICE did not immediately respond to requests for further information.