ICE Arrests Former Latvian Dancing Competition Star Over Visa Overstay and Criminal Record

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Roberts Nemiro, a Latvian national, in San Francisco on Tuesday following a referral from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency announced Friday. Authorities allege Nemiro remained in the country unlawfully after his visa expired and face him with removal proceedings, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Nemiro previously competed on “Dejo ar zvaigzni!,” the Latvian adaptation of the British dance competition series “Strictly Come Dancing,” known internationally as “Dancing with the Stars.” He entered the United States in October 2011 but remained after his authorization expired in August 2012, DHS officials said.

The suspect carries a substantial criminal record spanning multiple serious offenses. Court records show convictions for aggravated assault with a firearm against a non-family member and disorderly conduct, along with arrests on charges of battery, sexual battery, controlled substance possession, and drug paraphernalia possession.

DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis characterized Nemiro as a “career criminal” despite his former television work. “Despite California being a sanctuary state, ICE was able to arrest this criminal and get him off our streets, and he will soon be deported from our country,” Bis said in a statement.

The case represents part of broader Trump administration efforts highlighting immigration enforcement operations targeting noncitizens with violent crime convictions. DHS cited the arrest among several recent cases in California to criticize the state’s sanctuary policies as obstacles to federal immigration enforcement.