TikTok Star Khaby Lame Departures US After Immigration Detention

Khaby Lame, the Senegalese-Italian TikTok star who has gained global fame for his humorous takes on complicated life hacks, voluntarily left the United States following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas. Lame, whose legal name is Serigne Khabane Lame, was detained on June 11, 2025, at Harry Reid International Airport after officials confirmed he had overstayed his visa. According to an ICE spokesperson, Lame entered the U.S. on April 30, 2025, under the Visa Waiver Program, which permits travelers from Italy to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.

The controversy surrounding Lame’s detention escalated after Bo Loudon, a self-proclaimed pro-Trump influencer, boasted on social media that he had reported Lame to ICE. Loudon claimed to have discovered Lame's visa status and alleged that he had overstayed an invalid visa, which led to his detention. However, Loudon provided no evidence to substantiate his claims, raising questions about the motivations behind his actions. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Loudon stated, "I discovered he was an illegal who overstayed an invalid VISA, evaded taxes, and I personally took action to have him deported."

Lame’s rise to fame has been meteoric; he boasts over 162 million followers on TikTok and has collaborated with high-profile brands, including a multi-year partnership with Hugo Boss. His videos, which rely solely on visual comedy without spoken dialogue, resonated with audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, propelling him to become one of the platform's most recognizable figures.

The implications of Lame's detention reflect broader tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies, particularly during a period marked by increased enforcement under the Trump administration. This incident has not only spotlighted the complexities of immigration regulations but also the role of social media influencers in shaping public discourse. Protests against ICE and immigration enforcement have surged in various U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and New York, fueled by the current political climate and heightened scrutiny of immigration practices.

Lame's voluntary departure avoids a deportation order that could have barred him from re-entering the U.S. for up to a decade. By leaving voluntarily, he retains the possibility of returning to the United States in the future, although the circumstances surrounding his departure have drawn significant media attention and public scrutiny. As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Lame’s case serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by international visitors navigating U.S. immigration laws.

Experts in immigration law have expressed concern regarding the implications of Lame's case. Dr. Angela Torres, a professor of law at Yale University, noted, "This incident highlights the fragility of visa statuses, especially for high-profile individuals who may inadvertently attract attention. The intersection of social media influence and immigration law creates unique challenges."

In the wake of Lame's situation, several organizations advocating for immigrant rights have called for a reevaluation of current immigration policies, arguing that the system disproportionately targets individuals based on their visibility and public profiles. As this story develops, it remains crucial to examine the broader implications of immigration enforcement on individuals from diverse backgrounds and the role of public figures in advocacy and awareness.

In conclusion, Lame's experience underscores the complexities of U.S. immigration policy, particularly for individuals from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. As public discourse around immigration continues to evolve, the intersection of fame, influence, and legal status presents an ongoing challenge for both influencers and policymakers alike.