A shocking revelation has ripped the glitzy facade off a former "Dancing with the Stars" contestant, exposing a dark criminal history that includes violent assaults and drug offenses. Roberts Nemiro, a Latvian national who once graced the television screens of his home country, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Francisco, facing deportation after years of illegally overstaying his visa and allegedly committing a string of serious crimes on American soil.
ICE announced Friday that its agents apprehended Nemiro on Tuesday, acting on a referral from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Nemiro is now in removal proceedings, a direct consequence of his decision to remain in the United States long after his visa expired.
Nemiro, known for his appearances on "Dejo ar zvaigzni!", the Latvian iteration of the popular "Strictly Come Dancing" series, entered the U.S. on a visa in October 2011. Yet, instead of complying with immigration laws, he chose to disappear into the shadows, illegally residing in the country since August 2012.
Roberts Nemiro, a former contestant on Latvia's version of "Dancing With the Stars," was arrested by ICE in San Francisco, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The alleged glamour of a TV personality sharply contrasts with the disturbing criminal record authorities have uncovered. According to DHS, Nemiro's past includes convictions for aggravated assault of a non-family member with a gun and disorderly conduct. Furthermore, he has been arrested on grave charges such as battery, sexual battery, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis did not mince words regarding the arrest. "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," Bis stated.
FILE - Nemiro was arrested by ICE following a referral from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Bis pointed directly to the hypocrisy of lenient policies, adding, "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. ICE is bringing the curtain down on his illegal stay and crime spree here in the U.S."
This critical arrest underscores the ongoing challenge posed by states and cities that prioritize shielding illegal immigrants over ensuring public safety and cooperating with federal law enforcement. The Trump administration has consistently highlighted such immigration enforcement efforts, particularly those involving non-citizens accused or convicted of violent crimes, while sharply criticizing California's dangerous sanctuary policies.
FILE - ICE said Nemiro was arrested in San Francisco on Tuesday.
DHS itself has cited numerous recent cases where California's sanctuary policies have actively hindered federal immigration enforcement, allowing potentially dangerous individuals to roam free. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when political agendas override common sense and the fundamental duty to protect American citizens. Law and order, combined with robust border security, remains the bedrock of a safe and prosperous nation, and ICE's actions prove that the America First commitment to enforcing our laws will prevail, regardless of local resistance.
