A former television dancer who entered the United States legally but remained illegally for nearly 14 years has been detained by federal immigration authorities. Roberts Nemiro, 43, is now in ICE custody following a referral from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services after his visa expired in August 2012.
Nemiro previously competed on Latvia’s version of “Dancing With the Stars,” known as “Dejo ar zvaigzni!” in the region. Federal officials report he accumulated convictions for aggravated assault involving a gun and disorderly conduct, along with multiple other arrests including battery, sexual battery, possession of controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.
ICE officers arrested Nemiro in San Francisco on July 28 after USCIS provided information identifying his location. The referral originated from coordinated federal immigration intelligence, not random enforcement actions. DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis confirmed Nemiro faces deportation despite California’s sanctuary policies.
Nemiro entered the U.S. on a visa in October 2011 and remained beyond its expiration date for nearly 14 years before being apprehended. Federal authorities emphasize that while an arrest does not constitute a conviction, his criminal history—specifically aggravated assault with a firearm against a non-family member and disorderly conduct—forms the basis of removal proceedings.
The case underscores the consequences of overstaying lawful visa authorization. Nemiro’s television background makes this enforcement action unusual but highlights the principle that visas grant temporary entry, not permanent status. Authorities stated he remains in federal immigration custody pending deportation proceedings.