TikTok star Khaby Lame, globally renowned for his unique and silent reaction videos, is embroiled in controversy after being detained by US Immigration in America, leaving fans shocked.
Khaby Lame in Custody: Internet sensation Khaby Lame, whose humorous expressions and silent commentary made him TikTok's most followed personality, is now entangled in an unexpected legal dispute. He was detained during a trip to the US for alleged visa violations and subsequently forced to leave the country. This incident has sparked a social media frenzy, raising questions about his future returns to the United States.
What Happened in the US?
Khaby Lame, whose real name is Khabane Lame, arrived in the US during the last week of April 2025. He was scheduled to participate in various promotional events, fashion shows, and social media brand activities. A highlight was the Met Gala 2025, where his presence garnered significant attention in the fashion world.
However, he overstayed his visa. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended him at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Deportation Avoided, But…
ICE did not initiate deportation proceedings against Khaby. Instead, he was given a choice: voluntarily leave the US or face formal deportation. Opting for the former, Khaby left the country, avoiding a permanent deportation stain on his immigration record. However, his future US entry will now face legal challenges, potentially including a multi-year ban.
Will Khaby Return to the US?
Immigration law experts suggest that if an individual voluntarily leaves the US without facing serious criminal charges, they can apply for a new visa. However, this involves a lengthy process encompassing time, documentation checks, and guarantees.
This means Khaby may face a wait of several months or even years before potentially returning to the US.
This incident comes at a time of heightened immigration enforcement in the US. Stringent immigration policies remain in place following the Trump administration, with increased ICE activity. Recent high-profile raids have occurred in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. Experts suggest Khaby's case is part of a wider campaign focusing on increased scrutiny of celebrities and business travelers on "visitor visas."
Khaby Lame: A Global Sensation
Khaby Lame's journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown when he started creating silent comedic TikTok videos using only facial expressions. His videos mocking complex "life hacks" garnered millions of views. He currently boasts 162 million TikTok followers, making him the platform's top creator. His popularity has led to collaborations with fashion brands like Hugo Boss and a recent appointment as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Born in Senegal, Khaby moved to Italy with his parents as a child. He was raised there, transforming from a factory worker to a TikTok superstar. He is now an Italian citizen.
