Khaby Lame, the world's most-followed TikTok creator, has departed the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa. The Senegalese-Italian influencer, known for his silent humor and 162 million TikTok followers, was held at Harry Reid International Airport on Friday before voluntarily leaving the country, according to an ICE spokesperson.
Lame arrived in the U.S. on April 30 but reportedly violated his visa terms, prompting immigration authorities to intervene. While no deportation order was issued, his voluntary departure allows him to avoid a 10-year reentry ban typically associated with formal removals. The 25-year-old has not publicly addressed the incident.
The situation unfolds amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump's administration, which has recently intensified raids and policy measures. Lame's case highlights the complex challenges facing international travelers and high-profile figures navigating visa regulations.
Rising to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic through his viral reaction videos, Lame has since become a global cultural icon. His career milestones include a partnership with Hugo Boss and a UNICEF goodwill ambassador role. His recent U.S. visit included attendance at New York's Met Gala just days before the detainment.
Born in Senegal and raised in Italy since infancy, Lame's journey from factory worker to digital superstar reflects both the opportunities and vulnerabilities of modern influencer economies. As migration policies evolve globally, his experience underscores the intersection of celebrity, mobility, and bureaucratic systems.
