TikTok Star, UNICEF Amb. Khaby Lame Left US After ICE Detention/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ TikTok megastar Khaby Lame has voluntarily left the U.S. after being detained by ICE for overstaying his visa. His departure comes amid President Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement. Lame, a UNICEF ambassador and global influencer, was not deported, avoiding long-term U.S. reentry bans.
Khaby Lame ICE Detention Quick Looks
- Khaby Lame detained by ICE in Las Vegas for visa overstay
- Left U.S. voluntarily, avoiding a formal deportation order
- Detainment occurred amid Trump’s immigration crackdown
- Lame arrived in U.S. on April 30 on a short-term visa
- ICE confirmed Lame overstayed the terms of his visit
- Voluntary departure allows future reentry possibilities
- Lame has over 162 million TikTok followers
- Recently attended the Met Gala and worked with Hugo Boss
- Appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in early 2025
- Born in Senegal, raised in Italy, now holds Italian citizenship
Deep Look: Khaby Lame Leaves U.S. After Detention by ICE Over Visa Overstay
LAS VEGAS — Khaby Lame, the most-followed creator on TikTok and a prominent international figure, has left the United States voluntarily after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa.
The 25-year-old social media phenomenon — whose real name is Seringe Khabane Lame — was detained Friday at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport. ICE officials confirmed his detainment, stating that Lame had “overstayed the terms” of his travel visa after arriving in the country on April 30.
Voluntary Departure vs. Deportation
Rather than being forcibly deported, Lame was allowed to leave the U.S. on his own accord, a process known as voluntary departure. This distinction is crucial, as deportation often triggers a multi-year ban on reentry to the U.S. — something Lame has avoided for now.
According to ICE, a voluntary departure allows those facing removal to exit the country without incurring a formal deportation record, making it possible for the individual to apply for future reentry under proper legal channels.
Social Media Juggernaut
Khaby Lame gained global notoriety during the COVID-19 pandemic through his signature silent reaction videos, in which he mocked overly complicated “life hacks” with deadpan expressions and simple gestures. His TikTok account currently boasts over 162 million followers, and he remains a dominant presence across Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
His rise to fame has included brand partnerships with major fashion houses like Hugo Boss and a growing role in humanitarian efforts. In January 2025, Lame was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, highlighting his shift from internet stardom to global advocacy.
Celebrity and Immigration Crossroads
Lame’s sudden detainment and departure have occurred against the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on immigration, which has sparked nationwide protests, particularly after controversial raids in Los Angeles targeting undocumented workers. Immigration enforcement under the Trump administration has been intensified, with ICE conducting high-profile detainments and deportations as part of a broader political message.
Although Lame’s case involved no allegations of criminal activity, his celebrity status did not shield him from federal enforcement of visa restrictions. This incident underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance approach, regardless of public profile or international prestige.
Global Roots, Viral Impact
Lame was born in Senegal but moved to Italy as a child, growing up in a working-class family. He eventually gained Italian citizenship, a status that made him eligible for international travel and partnerships. His story has often been framed as a rags-to-riches digital success narrative, demonstrating the power of social media to transcend geographic and economic boundaries.
His global presence has only grown — from attending the 2025 Met Gala in New York to spearheading campaigns for humanitarian causes. Still, his brush with immigration enforcement shows that even the most recognizable influencers aren’t exempt from strict U.S. immigration policies.
What’s Next for Khaby?
At the moment, it’s unclear when or if Khaby Lame will return to the United States. Legal experts say that his voluntary departure leaves the door open for future visa applications, but with Trump’s immigration stance, celebrity status alone may not guarantee a swift return.
Requests for comment from Lame’s representatives have gone unanswered, and he has yet to publicly address the situation on his social media platforms.
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