TikTok Star Khaby Lame Leaves U.S. After ICE Detention Over Visa Overstay
The 25-year-old social media influencer—born in Senegal and holding Italian citizenship—was taken into custody on Friday at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
However, rather than being formally deported—a move that could have barred him from returning to the U.S. for up to 10 years—Lame was granted voluntary departure, allowing him to leave the country without a deportation order on his record.
The Associated Press reported that a request for comment was sent to an email listed on his Instagram profile.
Lame’s departure comes during an intensified immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, including recent high-profile ICE raids in cities like Los Angeles that have triggered widespread protests and legal challenges.
The influencer rose to worldwide fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating silent comedic videos mocking overly complicated life hacks. Without speaking a word, he amassed a staggering fan base—now exceeding 162 million followers on TikTok alone—becoming one of the platform’s most recognizable and beloved figures.
Lame’s personal journey is just as notable. His meteoric rise on the internet soon translated into mainstream success: in 2022, he signed a multi-year partnership with fashion house Hugo Boss, and earlier this year, he was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Just days after arriving in the U.S. this spring, Lame attended the prestigious Met Gala in New York City—his celebrity status placing him firmly among global A-listers.
His sudden detention and exit from the U.S. underscores growing concerns among advocates and fans alike, as immigration enforcement measures increasingly intersect with the lives of high-profile international figures. For now, Khaby Lame’s next steps remain unclear, but his global influence shows no signs of slowing down.