Photo Credit:Associated Press
Khaby Lame, the Senegalese‑born, Italian‑citizen TikTok superstar with over 162 million followers, has voluntarily left the United States following a brief detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On June 6, 2025, while transiting through Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Lame was taken into custody by ICE agents due to a visa overstay, having entered the country on April 30 for events including the Met Gala.
ICE confirmed that he had entered the U.S. on April 30, but remained beyond the terms of his temporary visa. Instead of formal deportation proceedings, authorities granted Lame “voluntary departure” the same day—a process sometimes referred to as “self‑deportation”. This option allowed him to leave the country on his own rather than face formal removal procedures.
The incident unfolded amid heightened immigration enforcement under the current administration, intensifying scrutiny of public figures and regular travelers alike. In Las Vegas, authorities detained him briefly before allowing his departure; reports suggested he was moved to a nearby detention facility prior to leaving.
Despite his global popularity from comedic, silent TikTok reaction videos, Khaby Lame has not released a public statement on the incident. Observers first flagged the situation, including activist Bo Loudon, who took responsibility for notifying ICE. Since departing the U.S, Lame has been spotted posting from Brazil, fueling speculation that he is continuing his travels.
Lame’s background highlights his multicultural identity and journey to fame. Born in Senegal on March 9, 2000, he moved to Italy as an infant and became an Italian citizen in August 2022. His repertoire of viral, wordless videos ridiculing “over‑complicated life hacks” catapulted him to global fame during the pandemic—ultimately earning him the distinction of the most‑followed individual on TikTok.
The news of his temporary detention has reignited debates over visa enforcement and celebrity privileges. Advocates on social media question whether his fame should have afforded him an expedited resolution or visa adjustment. Meanwhile, critics argue that Lame’s situation exemplifies a broader immigration policy landscape, with little exemption for even globally recognized public figures.
