TikTok Star Khaby Lame Detained at U.S. Airport for Visa Violation, Leaves Country Voluntarily

Las Vegas / Rome:World-famous TikTok sensation **Khaby Lame** was briefly detained by **U.S. immigration authorities** for overstaying his visa but has since **left the country voluntarily**, avoiding a formal deportation that could have barred him from re-entry for up to 10 years.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Senegalese-born Italian influencer was taken into custody on **Friday** at **Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas**. Lame had entered the U.S. on **April 30**, but was found in **violation of his visa conditions**, triggering immigration proceedings.

A spokesperson for ICE confirmed, *“Mr. Lame was not deported. He chose to leave the country voluntarily, which ensures that his immigration record remains clear of formal deportation proceedings.”* This option, officials said, allows the influencer to reapply for a U.S. visa in the future without the burden of a 10-year ban.

The incident occurs at a time of **intensified immigration crackdowns** under the leadership of **former President Donald Trump**, whose return to power has reignited debates over immigration policies. In **Los Angeles**, recent ICE raids and the deployment of **National Guard units** have sparked public protests. **California Governor Gavin Newsom** has labeled Trump’s measures “unconstitutional” and announced plans to file a lawsuit against the federal government.

### Who Is Khaby Lame?

**Khaby Lame**, born in Senegal and raised in Italy, lost his factory job in Chivasso during the COVID-19 pandemic. With free time on his hands, he began posting videos on TikTok, gaining global fame for his **silent, comedic reactions** to overly complicated “life hacks.”

With over **162 million TikTok followers**, Lame is currently among the most followed creators in the world. In 2022, he was granted **Italian citizenship**, signed a major deal with **Hugo Boss**, and earlier this year was appointed a **UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador**. Just last month, he appeared at the **Met Gala** in New York.

While it remains to be seen when he will return to the United States, Lame’s brief detention and voluntary exit have once again brought attention to the **rigidity of U.S. immigration policies**, especially toward international artists and influencers.

For now, Khaby Lame continues to entertain his global audience, silently—but powerfully—reminding the world that simplicity is sometimes the best statement.