World’s Most-Followed TikToker Khaby Lame Detained, Released by U.S. Immigration Agents
Italian-Senegalese social media star Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikToker, was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying the terms of his visa.
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Lame, 25, had entered the United States on April 30. According to a statement from ICE provided to AFP, he was granted “voluntary departure” later that same day.
His detention occurred amid widespread protests across Southern California in response to recent ICE raids. The demonstrations escalated over the weekend after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles. On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged the president to revoke the federalization of the Guard and withdraw troops from the city.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has intensified efforts to tighten immigration controls, launching a mass deportation campaign that has sparked legal challenges and fierce criticism. Lame’s case is the latest in a string of high-profile visa issues involving international artists and celebrities, including Grupo Firme and Julión Álvarez.
Born on March 9, 2000, Khabane “Khaby” Lame rose to fame with his viral TikTok videos that wordlessly mock convoluted “life hacks” and everyday situations. As of 2025, he boasts 162 million followers, making him the platform’s most-followed creator. Between June 2022 and September 2023, Forbes estimates he earned approximately $16.5 million through brand deals and marketing partnerships.
Lame has said the inspiration for his content came after he was laid off from his factory job in Chivasso, near Turin, during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Wandering his housing estate, he began creating videos that would eventually captivate a global audience.
