TikTok Star Khaby Lame Leaves US After Brief Detention For Visa Overstay.
Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok personality with over 162 million followers, has left the United States following a brief detention by immigration authorities for allegedly overstaying his visa. The Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was detained on 6 June at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to a statement from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Lame, 25, entered the US on 30 April on a temporary visa and was found to have overstayed its terms, ICE confirmed. The social media star, known for his wordless comedy videos poking fun at overly complicated “life hacks,” was granted voluntary departure on the same day and has since left the country without a formal deportation order, which could have barred him from re-entering the US for up to a decade.
The detention, first revealed by conservative influencer Bo Loudon on social media platform X, sparked widespread discussion online. Loudon claimed to have reported Lame to authorities, posting what he said was a screenshot from ICE’s website indicating the TikToker was held at Henderson Detention Center in Nevada. However, Lame’s name no longer appears in ICE’s detainee database, and the claims of tax evasion made by Loudon remain unverified.
Lame, who rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with his deadpan reactions and signature shrug, has not publicly commented on the incident. Despite the drama, he remained active on social media, posting an Instagram Story on 7 June featuring what appeared to be Venice Beach, California, and a promotional TikTok video for Kellogg’s, which some fans speculated was pre-scheduled.
The influencer, born in Senegal and raised in Chivasso, Italy, since the age of one, became TikTok’s most-followed creator in June 2022, surpassing Charli D’Amelio. His universal, silent humour has earned him global appeal, leading to partnerships with brands like Hugo Boss, Fortnite, and Walmart, as well as a role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since January 2025. Lame has also ventured into acting, appearing in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) and starring in the Tubi series Khaby Is Coming to America.
Lame’s departure coincides with heightened immigration enforcement under US President Donald Trump’s administration, which has intensified raids and deportations since January. The crackdown, which has sparked protests in cities like Los Angeles, has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups and some of Lame’s fans, who questioned why a high-profile figure like Lame was targeted. One Instagram user commented, “Sad to hear. But laws have to be followed wherever you go. No exceptions,” while another wrote, “Bro ain’t deported just winning,” reflecting the mixed sentiments online.
Since leaving the US, Lame has resurfaced on social media in Italy, appearing in an Instagram Story strolling down a leafy street and posing with Brazilian footballer Emerson Royal. His calm demeanour suggests a return to normalcy, but the incident has highlighted the reach of Trump’s immigration policies, even affecting global celebrities.
As Lame continues to entertain millions with his relatable humour, his brief detention serves as a reminder of the complexities of immigration rules, even for those in the spotlight. Fans await his next move, with many expressing support for the star to “make it all legal” and return to the US in the future.
