Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikToker, was briefly detained by U.S. immigration authorities after allegedly overstaying his visa during a visit to Las Vegas, Nevada. The 25-year-old Italian national was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport.
“Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, was detained for immigration violations,” ICE confirmed in a statement to AFP. Authorities later granted him “voluntary departure,” and Lame has since exited the U.S.
The incident comes amid heightened immigration enforcement under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prioritized stricter immigration controls and deportation drives—some of which are currently being challenged in American courts.
Lame, who has not publicly commented on the situation as of Saturday afternoon, is best known for his silent, comedic TikTok videos. His signature content style involves wordless reactions to overly complex “life hacks” and online tutorials, which he mocks with simple, logical alternatives and his now-iconic hand gesture and facial expression.
With over 162 million followers on TikTok, Lame has become a global internet sensation. His rise to fame began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after he lost his job as a factory mechanic in Chivasso, near Turin, Italy. Bored and jobless, he turned to social media — and his understated, relatable humor quickly resonated with audiences worldwide.
Lame is also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and has become a prominent figure in digital marketing. Between June 2022 and September 2023, he reportedly earned an estimated $16.5 million through brand partnerships and marketing deals, according to Forbes.
While his immigration setback appears to be resolved, the incident highlights the complexities international influencers face when traveling under strict visa conditions. Fans around the world are now waiting to hear from Lame himself, as his silence on the matter has only added to the intrigue.
For now, the king of TikTok has left U.S. soil but his digital presence remains as strong as ever.
