TikTok Star Khaby Lame Detained by U.S. Immigration Officials for Visa Violation

 

By Maxwel Maungu

 Khaby Lame, the most-followed personality on TikTok, was briefly detained by U.S. immigration officials on June 6 for overstaying his visa, according to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Lame, a 25-year-old Italian citizen, was stopped at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas as he attempted to leave the country. Officials said he had arrived in the United States on April 30, but remained beyond the period permitted by his visa.

He was taken into custody on Friday morning but was released the same day, ICE confirmed. The agency stated that Lame was not subject to deportation proceedings but was instead given the option to voluntarily depart the country, which he has since done.

As of Saturday afternoon, Lame had not issued a public statement regarding the incident. His representatives have not responded to media inquiries.

A Global Social Media Icon

With more than 162 million followers on TikTok, Khaby Lame has built a global fanbase with his signature brand of silent, visual comedy. He rose to fame by humorously mocking overly complex “life hack” videos, offering simple, practical alternatives—all without saying a word. His videos typically end with his iconic gesture: arms open, palms upward, a half-smile, and wide-eyed disbelief.

Born in Senegal and raised in Chivasso, Italy, Lame began creating content after losing his job at a factory in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a creative outlet soon exploded into an online phenomenon. According to Forbes, Lame earned approximately $16.5 million between June 2022 and September 2023 through brand deals, sponsorships, and appearances.

He was also named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in 2023, further elevating his global profile.

Immigration Crackdown Under Trump Administration

The incident comes amid a renewed push for tougher immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January 2025. The administration has enacted stricter visa and deportation policies, some of which are now being challenged in court.

While Lame’s case appears to be an isolated administrative issue rather than a political one, it has drawn public attention due to his global popularity and the broader climate of heightened immigration scrutiny.

Some online commentators have expressed concern over the treatment of international artists and influencers under the new policies, while others emphasized the importance of adhering to visa requirements regardless of celebrity status.

As of now, it is unclear whether the incident will affect Lame’s future travel plans or business engagements in the United States.

Despite the setback, fans around the world continue to share his videos, many captioned with messages like, “Come back soon, Khaby,” and “Even ICE couldn’t silence the king of silence.”

June 09, 2025