Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok personality, has left the United States after being detained by immigration officials in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa.
Lame, whose real name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was taken into custody last Friday at Harry Reid International Airport. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that the 25-year-old influencer had overstayed the terms of his visa after arriving in the country on April 30. However, he was granted a voluntary departure, allowing him to leave without a deportation order on his record.
“Mr. Lame departed the United States in compliance with voluntary departure terms,” an ICE spokesperson said in a statement.
The Senegalese-born, Italian citizen has not made any public comments regarding the incident. A request for comment sent to the contact email on his Instagram account by the Associated Press remained unanswered as of Tuesday.
Lame’s departure comes as part of a broader, intensified immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration. Recent ICE operations, including high-profile raids in Los Angeles, have sparked widespread protests and renewed debate over executive authority and immigration enforcement.
A voluntary departure enables an individual to exit the country on their own terms without incurring the penalties of a formal deportation order—such as a 10-year ban on reentry to the U.S.
Khaby Lame rose to global stardom during the COVID-19 pandemic by silently mocking over-the-top “life hack” videos with his trademark expressions and gestures. Amassing over 162 million followers on TikTok, his wordless content made him a universally recognized figure.
The influencer’s online success has led to partnerships with major global brands, including a multi-year deal with fashion house Hugo Boss. Earlier this year, he was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Most recently, he made an appearance at the 2025 Met Gala in New York, just days after entering the U.S.
Born in Senegal and raised in Italy by working-class parents, Lame holds Italian citizenship and has become a cultural icon for Gen Z audiences worldwide.
As of now, it remains unclear when or if Lame will be allowed to return to the United States.
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