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In a surprising turn of events, Khaby Lame, the world's most followed TikTok creator, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The Senegalese-born Italian influencer, whose silent comedic skits have captivated over 200 million followers across social platforms, reportedly overstayed the terms of his visa.
ICE confirmed the detention in a statement to PEOPLE, noting, "Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, was detained for immigration violations after entering the United States on April 30 and failing to comply with his visa conditions." The agency further stated that Lame was granted "voluntary departure" on the same day of his detainment.
Though rumors swirled across social media platforms regarding a possible arrest, official confirmation only came days later. "Lame was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the U.S.," ICE clarified. The move allowed the internet personality to avoid formal deportation proceedings while exiting the country under his own accord.
Born in Senegal and raised in Italy, Lame was granted Italian citizenship in August 2022. He had spent several weeks in the U.S. leading up to the detainment, including attending the 2025 Met Gala in New York on May 5 and appearing courtside at an NBA Africa game in Dakar on May 3. His presence across global events highlighted his increasing international influence — and also underscored the complexities of global travel amid tight U.S. immigration protocols.
Attempts to reach his representatives for comment have been unsuccessful as of June 9. Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security sources told TMZ that "the U.S. government isn't playing when it comes to visa violations."
Lame, who rose to fame during the COVID-19 lockdowns by parodying over-complicated life hacks, was named one of PEOPLE's 2024 Creators of the Year. Reflecting on his journey, he previously said, "Before TikTok, I was working in a factory. Then my world changed completely." His success story had resonated globally, with his first major purchase being a home for his family of seven.
As of now, it's unclear when or if Lame plans to return to the U.S. However, his departure underscores a stark reality: even the most recognized faces are not exempt from immigration scrutiny.
