Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star, was reportedly detained in Las Vegas by immigration authorities for allegedly staying in the U.S. longer than his visa allowed. He has since departed the country.
The influencer, with dual Senegalese and Italian citizenship, was detained at Harry Reid International Airport on Friday. Fortunately, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement representative disclosed that Lame was permitted to leave without an official deportation order.
Lame had entered the United States on April 30, and according to ICE, he “exceeded his visa’s permitted duration.” The Associated Press reached out for a comment through Lame’s Instagram-listed email, but he has not spoken out about the incident so far.
His detainment and voluntary departure from the U.S. comes amid President Donald Trump’s escalating crackdown on immigration, including raids in Los Angeles that sparked days of protests against ICE, as the president tests the bounds of his executive authority.
A voluntary departure – which was granted to Lame – allows those facing removal from the U.S. to avoid a deportation order on their immigration record, which could prevent them from being allowed back into the U.S. for up to a decade.
The 25-year-old rose to international fame during the pandemic without ever saying a word in his videos, which would show him reacting to absurdly complicated “life hacks.” He has over 162 million followers on TikTok alone.
Khaby Lame poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film ‘Oppenheimer’ in London, July 13, 2023.
Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP File
The Senegal-born influencer moved to Italy when he was an infant with his working class parents and has Italian citizenship.
His internet fame quickly evolved. He signed a multi-year partnership with designer brand Hugo Boss in 2022. In January, he was appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Last month, he attended the Met Gala in New York City, days after arriving in the U.S.
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