The globally recognized TikTok sensation known for his expressive silence and hilarious takes on “life hacks,” Khaby Lame, has exited the United States after being briefly held by immigration officials in Las Vegas.
The Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose real name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was taken into custody on Friday at Harry Reid International Airport for allegedly remaining in the country beyond his visa’s authorized stay.
According to a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Lame was not subjected to a formal deportation but instead granted a voluntary departure, allowing him to leave without a deportation order tarnishing his record.
“Lame arrived in the United States on April 30 and ‘overstayed the terms of his visa,’” the ICE spokesperson explained.
Efforts to reach Lame for comment were made by the Associated Press via the email listed on his Instagram, but he has yet to issue a public response regarding the incident.
His situation unfolds against a tense backdrop of intensifying immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump, whose administration has ramped up actions nationwide, including high-profile raids in Los Angeles that have triggered widespread demonstrations.
“A voluntary departure, which was granted to Lame, allows those facing removal from the US to avoid a deportation order on their immigration record, which could prevent them from being allowed back into the country for up to a decade,” ICE clarified.
The 25-year-old’s journey to stardom began during the COVID-19 pandemic when his mute expressions and clever commentary on unnecessarily complex online videos won over millions.
Today, he commands a TikTok following exceeding 162 million, the highest on the platform.
Born in Senegal and raised in Italy from infancy by working-class parents, Lame holds Italian citizenship.
His meteoric rise has led to major collaborations, including a multi-year deal with fashion brand Hugo Boss in 2022. Most recently, he was named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Just weeks before his detainment, Lame appeared at the prestigious Met Gala in New York City, having arrived in the U.S. only days earlier.
