Khaby Lame’s Brief Immigration Detention in Las Vegas
Khaby Lame, the world's most followed TikTok creator, was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on June 6, 2025, at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for an alleged visa overstay.
What happened?
Entry & Overstay: Lame—born in Senegal, now an Italian citizen—entered the U.S. on April 30, 2025, on a temporary visa (likely a B‑1/B‑2 tourist visa). ICE flagged that he had exceeded the authorized duration of stay.
Detention & Departure: Detained at the airport, Lame was granted a voluntary departure on the same day—avoiding a formal deportation order, which could’ve led to a 10‑year U.S. reentry ban.
Why this matters
Visa rules are strict—even for influencers: High-profile status doesn't exempt internet celebrities from immigration laws. Lame’s case underscores that everyone—regardless of fame—is subject to U.S. entry rules.
Broader political environment: His detainment coincided with a wave of escalated immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, prompting similar detentions and nationwide protests.
Khaby’s rise & U.S. presence
With a non-verbal comedic style mocking overcomplicated “life hacks,” Lame surged to TikTok superstardom, amassing ~162 million followers.
He’s signed with major brands (Hugo Boss, Google, Pepsi, State Farm), appeared at the 2025 Met Gala, and was named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in January.
His visit to the U.S. was mainly work-related—attending high-profile events and appearances.
Fallout & future implications
Short-term:
Lame left the U.S. voluntarily—meaning no formal deportation and avoiding the automatic 10-year bar on reentry.
He hasn't publicly addressed the incident.
Long-term:
Future U.S. visits may require a fresh visa; immigration officials could scrutinize his past overstay.
The case acts as a cautionary tale for influencers and global visitors relying on temporary visas for business purposes.
