Most-followed TikTok star Khaby Lame detained by ICE amid Trump immigration crackdown
A Global Star Caught in Controversy
Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star, faced an unexpected challenge.
On June 6, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The reason was straightforward: Lame had overstayed his visa. He entered the U.S. on April 30, 2025, and remained beyond the allowed period.
ICE granted him voluntary departure, letting him leave without a formal deportation order.
This incident, tied to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, has sparked heated discussions online.
Who is Khaby Lame?
Seringe Khabane Lame, known as Khaby, was born in Senegal. He moved to Turin, Italy, as an infant.
In summer 2022, he became an Italian citizen. Lame’s rise to fame began on TikTok, where his silent, expressive videos mock overly complicated life hacks.
His humor resonates globally, earning him 162.2 million TikTok followers, 80 million on Instagram, and 12.5 million YouTube subscribers.
He’s compared to comedy legend Mr. Bean for his wordless charm.
Lame has partnered with fashion brands, made a Hollywood cameo, and starred in “Khaby Is Coming To America” on Tubi.
Weeks before his detention, he attended the Met Gala in New York, a high-profile event showcasing his growing influence.
The Detention Incident
Lame’s detention occurred on June 6, 2025, at Harry Reid International Airport. ICE officials cited visa overstaying as the cause.
Lame had legally entered the U.S. on April 30 but stayed past his visa’s expiration. ICE’s decision to grant voluntary departure was significant.
This option, per ICE guidelines, avoids a formal removal order and its long-term consequences.
Lame left the U.S. the same day, June 6. His former lawyer, Riccardo Lanzo, noted Lame spent significant time in the U.S. recently but was unsure about his visa status.
Aftermath and Social Media Reaction
Lame has not publicly addressed the detention. His social media accounts, including TikTok and Instagram, remain silent on the issue.
Yet, he continued posting, including an Instagram story from São Paulo, Brazil, on June 9, suggesting he’s moved on.
Requests for comment from Lame and his management went unanswered.
The news spread rapidly on X, igniting varied reactions. Some users expressed outrage, calling the detention excessive.
One X post stated, “they even detained Khaby Lame for like a few hours because some racist called ICE on him.”
Others, like conservative influencer Bo Loudon, supported the action.
Loudon claimed, “I discovered that he was an illegal” and “I personally took action to have him deported” in an X post.
He further accused Lame of being a “far left influencer” who disliked Trump, though no evidence suggests Lame has taken political stances.
Loudon, a pro-Trump activist claiming ties to Barron Trump, referenced an interview with streamer Dylan Page to support his claims.
These assertions stirred controversy, with Lame’s fans defending him and questioning Loudon’s motives.
| Social Media Platform | Follower Count | Source URL |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 162.2 million | TikTok Profile |
| 80 million | Instagram Profile | |
| YouTube | 12.5 million | YouTube Channel |
Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Lame’s detention aligns with a broader immigration enforcement surge under President Trump.
Since taking office, Trump has prioritized strict immigration policies. ICE activities have spiked, targeting individuals for visa violations and other issues.
This crackdown has sparked protests in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Atlanta.
In Los Angeles, demonstrations against ICE intensified over the same weekend as Lame’s detention.
Trump’s deployment of National Guard and Marines to manage protests has faced legal challenges under Title 10.
The policy context makes Lame’s case notable. High-profile figures like him rarely face such enforcement, drawing attention to the administration’s approach.
Critics argue the policies are overly harsh, while supporters see them as necessary for border security. Lame’s detention, though resolved quickly, fuels this debate.
Implications and Future Outlook
Lame’s detention underscores the challenges of immigration enforcement in the digital age.
Social media stars like Lame travel frequently for work, from events like the Met Gala to brand partnerships.
Their visibility amplifies routine immigration actions, sparking public scrutiny. This case may prompt discussions about how laws apply to international celebrities.
It also highlights the polarized views on immigration, with figures like Loudon framing it as a victory, while others see it as an overreach.
Lame’s career appears resilient. His massive following and global appeal suggest he’ll maintain influence.
His silence on the issue may be strategic, avoiding further controversy. However, the incident could affect his future U.S. travel plans, given visa scrutiny.
Broader implications include potential policy debates on balancing enforcement with cultural exchange, especially for figures contributing to global entertainment.
