Why Most-Followed TikToker Khaby Lame Was Detained By US Immigration
Khaby Lame, the silent TikTok sensation who became a global icon by mocking overly complicated life hacks, has found himself in the spotlight once again—but this time, not for his content. The 25-year-old social media star, who currently holds the record for the most-followed TikTok account with over 162 million followers, was briefly detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The reason? Overstaying his visa.
According to an official statement released by ICE, Seringe Khabane Lame was taken into custody on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport for immigration violations. The agency confirmed that Lame had entered the United States on April 30 and failed to leave within the allotted time allowed under his visa conditions. Fortunately for the internet celebrity, the situation did not escalate into a prolonged detention. ICE reported that Lame was granted a “voluntary departure” and was released the same day. He has since departed the United States.
Though Lame himself has remained silent about the incident as of Tuesday morning, the online world has erupted in speculation and commentary. Bo Loudon, a social media influencer and close aide to Barron Trump, took credit for reporting Lame’s visa overstay. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Loudon claimed, “I discovered he was illegal, who overstayed an invalid VISA, evaded taxes, and I personally took action to have him deported.” Loudon further stated that he worked with “the patriots at President Trump's DHS” to ensure Lame’s detention.
This incident comes in the wake of intensified immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s second term in office. Since resuming power in January, Trump has prioritized aggressive immigration enforcement, including mass deportations and strict visa oversight. Though some of these measures are being challenged in court, the Khaby Lame case appears to be one of the highest-profile enforcement actions under the renewed immigration crackdown.
Khaby Lame's arrest has drawn significant attention, not only because of his fame but also due to the irony of the situation. Known for his trademark nonverbal humor and simple solutions, Lame rose to global fame during the COVID-19 lockdowns, transforming himself from an unemployed factory worker in Italy to an international celebrity. His videos, often featuring exaggerated facial expressions and a signature shrug with palms upturned, mocked unnecessarily complex hacks and instructions.
Born in Senegal and raised in Italy, Lame became an Italian citizen and leveraged his digital fame into major brand partnerships. Between June 2022 and September 2023, he earned an estimated $16.5 million through deals with global companies, according to Forbes. He was recognized in prestigious lists like Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Fortune's 40 Under 40 and was even named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
The news of his detention has sparked polarized reactions. While fans express concern and disbelief, others—especially supporters of Trump’s immigration policies—view the incident as a justified enforcement of the law. The timing of this incident has also fueled political narratives. Immigration hardliners are using Lame’s case to highlight visa system loopholes, while critics argue that such high-profile detentions reflect unnecessary hostility toward immigrants.
It is important to note that visa violations, including overstays, are not uncommon among international travelers and celebrities. However, the public nature of Lame’s life and the social media environment have made this a particularly notable case. Lame’s silence on the issue has only fueled further curiosity, with many speculating about whether he will address it directly or allow the incident to fade quietly.
As the dust settles, questions linger about what this means for Khaby Lame’s future engagements in the United States. Will this affect his ability to return for brand partnerships or public appearances? Will he face additional scrutiny if he applies for future visas? The answers are still unclear.
What is certain, however, is that the most-followed TikToker in the world has become an unexpected figure in the global immigration debate. The man who made a career out of simplifying the unnecessarily complex now finds himself entangled in one of the most complicated systems of all: international immigration law.
Whether this incident will dent Lame’s stardom remains to be seen. But if history is any guide, he may find a way to turn even this moment into content, using the same humor and relatability that first won him global acclaim. For now, Khaby Lame’s fans—and critics—will be watching closely.