TikTok Star Khaby Lame Detained by ICE
Social media sensation Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator with over 162 million followers, was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Las Vegas airport for overstaying his visa. The 25-year-old Senegalese-Italian influencer was granted voluntary departure and left the United States the same day, marking a high-profile case amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
The detention of the globally recognized content creator highlights how even celebrities with massive social media followings are subject to immigration law violations under the current administration’s hardline policies. Lame’s case has sparked international attention and raised questions about visa compliance for frequent international travelers in the entertainment industry.
Photo Source: MoneyReign
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Visa Violation at Las Vegas Airport
ICE officials confirmed that Seringe Khabane Lame was detained on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for immigration violations. According to Newsweek, Lame entered the United States on April 30 and “overstayed the terms of his visa.” The detention occurred during what appeared to be a routine departure from the country.
As an Italian citizen, Lame was authorized to remain in the United States for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. However, his stay extended beyond the permitted timeframe, triggering the immigration violation that led to his detention. ICE granted him voluntary departure on the same day, allowing him to leave without formal deportation proceedings.
High-Profile Visit to the United States
Lame’s visit to the United States included attendance at several high-profile events, most notably the Met Gala on May 5, 2025. The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador frequently travels to the U.S. for public appearances, brand partnerships, and content creation opportunities. His detention at the airport suggests he may have been attempting to leave the country when immigration officials discovered the visa overstay.
The TikTok star, who rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with his silent comedic videos mocking overly complicated tutorials, has built an estimated fortune of over $16 million through advertising contracts and brand partnerships. His massive following includes 80 million Instagram followers alongside his record-breaking TikTok presence.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown
Lame’s detention occurred amid President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement since returning to office in January 2025. France 24 reported that Trump has delivered on campaign promises to tighten immigration controls and carry out mass deportation drives, with aspects of the policy facing challenges in U.S. courts.
The case demonstrates that the current administration makes no exceptions for celebrity status or social media influence when enforcing immigration laws. ICE statistics show that by June 5, 2025, the agency had apprehended 51,026 migrants, with 29.8% of detentions involving individuals with criminal convictions, though Lame’s case involved only administrative visa violations.
Photo Source: MoneyReign
Social Media Response and Fan Campaigns
News of Lame’s detention first surfaced through social media rumors before being confirmed by immigration officials. An 18-year-old Florida resident named Logan Loudon initially spread unverified information about the detention on social media platform X, claiming Lame was being held at Henderson Detention Center in Nevada. However, People confirmed that ICE databases showed no evidence of extended custody.
Fans launched online campaigns demanding Lame’s release before learning he had already been granted voluntary departure. The influencer remained largely silent about the incident on his social media platforms during and immediately after the detention, likely following legal advice. His representatives have not issued public statements regarding the circumstances surrounding the visa overstay.
Immigration Law Implications for Celebrities
Legal experts note that Lame’s case highlights the importance of strict visa compliance for international celebrities who frequently travel to the United States for work purposes. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days, but violations can result in future travel restrictions or bars to reentry.
The voluntary departure option allowed Lame to avoid formal deportation proceedings, which could have created more serious long-term consequences for future U.S. travel. Immigration attorneys suggest that high-profile individuals with complex travel schedules should consider applying for appropriate work visas rather than relying on visa waiver programs to avoid similar complications. Lame’s ability to continue his international career will likely depend on proper visa applications for future U.S. visits.
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