LAS VEGAS (AP) — Khaby Lame, the most-followed personality on TikTok, has left the United States after being detained by immigration authorities in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa.
The Senegalese-Italian content creator, whose full name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was held Friday at Harry Reid International Airport but was permitted to leave the U.S. voluntarily without receiving a formal deportation order, according to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
ICE confirmed that Lame entered the U.S. on April 30 and had “overstayed the terms of his visa.” As of Tuesday, Lame had not publicly addressed the incident, and a request for comment sent to the email listed on his Instagram profile had gone unanswered.
Lame’s detention and subsequent departure come at a time when President Donald Trump has intensified his immigration enforcement efforts, including recent raids in Los Angeles that led to widespread protests against ICE and renewed scrutiny over the president’s use of executive authority.
Because Lame was granted voluntary departure, he avoids having a deportation order on his record — something that could otherwise bar reentry into the U.S. for up to ten years.
The 25-year-old skyrocketed to global fame during the pandemic with his silent reaction videos mocking overly complicated “life hack” content, amassing over 162 million TikTok followers.
Born in Senegal and raised in Italy from infancy by working-class parents, Lame now holds Italian citizenship. His digital success has led to significant brand partnerships, including a multi-year deal with fashion house Hugo Boss in 2022, and in January, he was named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
He had recently attended the Met Gala in New York City, just days after his arrival in the U.S.
