Roberts Nemiro, a former contestant on the Latvian version of "Dancing With The Stars," was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California on July 28 for overstaying his visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) referred Nemiro's case to ICE after a scheduled interview for his marriage-based green card application. Officials stated Nemiro entered the United States in October 2011 on a visa that expired in August 2012.
According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release, Nemiro has a criminal history that includes arrests for sexual battery, aggravated assault, and drug possession. He was previously convicted of aggravated assault with a gun. Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that ICE was able to arrest Nemiro despite California being a sanctuary state and that he is currently in removal proceedings.
Nemiro's partner, Lydia, created a GoFundMe page to cover legal expenses. She stated that she and Nemiro were attending their USCIS interview with their immigration attorney when ICE officers detained him. She noted that they had followed the legal process for a marriage-based green card and did not anticipate the arrest. The GoFundMe, titled "Support Robert & Lydia's Immigration Legal Fight," has been raising funds for legal fees and has neared its $40,000 goal.
Following his arrest, Nemiro was transferred to an ICE detention facility in Bakersfield, California. His partner and their legal team are working to secure his release and pursue all available legal avenues. Nemiro, who lists his profession as a professional ballroom dance teacher and pro dancer in the Bay Area on his LinkedIn page, is now facing deportation.
