Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok personality, has left the United States after being briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Las Vegas. The incident has sparked renewed attention to the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown.
The 25-year-old Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose full name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was taken into custody last Friday at Harry Reid International Airport. According to ICE, Lame had overstayed the terms of his visa, having arrived in the U.S. on April 30.
In a statement issued by ICE, officials confirmed that Lame was not deported but instead granted a voluntary departure. This legal option allows a person facing removal to leave the country on their own terms, avoiding a formal deportation order which could block re-entry for up to ten years.
As of Tuesday, Lame had not made any public statement about the incident. The Associated Press reported attempts to reach his team through the contact information listed on his official Instagram page but received no response.
Lame’s unexpected detainment comes at a politically charged moment. President Donald Trump’s administration has launched new immigration enforcement operations in several U.S. cities, with recent ICE raids in Los Angeles igniting protests and debates over executive power.
Despite the circumstances, Lame’s exit from the U.S. was peaceful and without legal consequences. Under voluntary departure, individuals typically finance their own travel and leave within a designated timeframe, which Lame appears to have complied with.
Khaby Lame became a global household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining fame through silent TikTok videos that humorously debunked overly complicated “life hack” videos. His signature deadpan reactions earned him more than 162 million followers on TikTok, making him the platform’s most followed creator.
Born in Senegal, Lame moved to Italy as a baby with his working-class parents and later obtained Italian citizenship. His rise from modest beginnings to global digital stardom has made him an inspirational figure to millions of young fans around the world.
His fame has extended beyond social media. In 2022, he signed a multi-year collaboration with fashion brand Hugo Boss, and in January this year, he was appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. These high-profile roles reflect his growing influence beyond entertainment.
Just weeks before his detainment, Lame was among the celebrities attending the Met Gala in New York City, making headlines for his quiet charm and sleek red carpet appearance. His presence at the event marked a high point in his U.S. visit, which has now come to an abrupt end.
As the global community watches closely, it remains to be seen whether Khaby Lame will be allowed to return to the U.S. in the near future. For now, his exit adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about immigration enforcement, celebrity, and freedom of movement in today’s world.
