Viral icon Khaby Lame detained by ICE and forced to leave the U.S. — fans worldwide rally behind the TikTok star

Khaby Lame, the iconic TikTok sensation known for his viral reaction videos, was forced to leave the United States after being detained by immigration officials. The incident occurred in Las Vegas, leaving millions of fans stunned. His departure coincides with heightened immigration enforcement across the country.

Fans from all over the world have shown their support for the beloved creator.

Why was Khaby Lame detained?

He was arrested by immigration officials in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson confirmed in a statement that the Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was arrested Friday at Harry Reid International Airport but was free to depart the nation without a deportation order, as per a report by CTV News.


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According to the ICE spokesperson, Lame "overstayed the terms of his visa" after arriving in the United States on April 30.

His detention and voluntary departure from the United States coincide with President Donald Trump's intensifying immigration crackdown, which included raids in Los Angeles that led to days of anti-ICE protests.

What is a voluntary departure?

Those who are facing removal from the United States can avoid a deportation order on their immigration record, which could bar them from returning to the country for up to ten years, by voluntarily leaving, as Lame did. He left the United States on his own, even though he wasn't deported. This kept him from getting a long-term entry ban, as per a report by CTV News.

Days after coming to the United States, he went to the Met Gala in New York City last month.

Khaby Lame gained worldwide recognition during the pandemic by reacting to ridiculously complex "life hacks" in his videos, all without ever saying a word. On TikTok alone, he has more than 162 million followers.

The influencer, who was born in Senegal, moved to Italy with his working-class parents when he was a baby and is now a citizen of Italy.

FAQs

Why did the ICE detain Khaby Lame?
He was detained by ICE in Las Vegas for overstaying his visa after arriving in the United States on April 30.

Was Khaby Lame deported?
No, he left voluntarily, so he avoids a formal deportation record and a possible 10-year reentry ban.