KATHMANDU: Khaby Lame, born Serigne Khabane Lame in Senegal and raised in Italy, is the world’s most followed TikTok personality, known for his silent, sarcastic reactions to overly complicated “life hacks.” He gained viral fame during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing his job as a factory worker in Italy. His videos, often ending with his iconic hand gesture and deadpan expression, catapulted him into global stardom.

With over 162 million TikTok followers, Khaby has since collaborated with major brands, attended elite events like the Met Gala, and become a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. This explainer will unpack who he is, why he’s famous, his visa trouble in the U.S., and where he is now.

Who is Khaby Lame and why is he famous?

Khaby Lame, born Serigne Khabane Lame in Senegal and raised in Italy, is the most followed content creator on TikTok with over 162 million followers. He rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with his unique, wordless reaction videos. His format typically mocks overly complicated “life hacks” by silently demonstrating a simpler solution, followed by a deadpan expression. This minimalist style, free from language barriers or special effects, quickly went viral and made him a global sensation. Lame’s internet persona became a symbol of accessible humor and universal expression.

Beyond TikTok, Lame has leveraged his popularity into global endorsements and ambassadorships, including a multi-year partnership with fashion brand Hugo Boss, a collaboration with Binance, and a role as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Despite being laid off from a factory job in Italy in early 2020, his self-made stardom turned him into one of the most recognizable influencers on the planet. His fame extends beyond social media, having attended high-profile events such as the 2025 Met Gala in New York. Lame’s success story is seen by many as an inspirational modern-day digital rags-to-riches tale.

Why was Khaby Lame detained by ICE in the United States?

Khaby Lame was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6, 2025, at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. According to ICE, Lame had violated the terms of his temporary visa by overstaying his permitted duration in the United States. He had initially entered the country on April 30, 2025, likely to attend several engagements including the high-profile Met Gala on May 5 in New York. Temporary visa holders are typically allowed entry for a specific number of days, depending on the visa type, and must exit the country before the expiration date.

ICE determined that Lame had remained in the U.S. beyond the authorized period, triggering immigration enforcement action. The detainment was brief, and he was not subjected to a deportation order.

Instead, ICE granted him “voluntary departure,” which allows an individual to leave the country at their own expense without a formal removal on their immigration record.

This move spared Lame a possible 10-year re-entry ban that usually accompanies formal deportation. His high profile brought rare public attention to the otherwise routine immigration enforcement action.

What does “voluntary departure” mean and how does it differ from deportation?

Voluntary departure is a form of immigration relief that allows a non-citizen who is in the U.S. unlawfully to leave the country without facing the legal consequences of formal deportation. In Khaby Lame’s case, this meant he could exit the U.S. on his own terms without receiving a removal order that would appear on his immigration record. A voluntary departure typically avoids the re-entry bans—often ranging from three to ten years—that accompany deportation orders. This legal mechanism is sometimes granted to individuals who have not committed serious crimes and who are willing to leave promptly at their own expense.

It is generally seen as a more humane and cooperative resolution to immigration violations. For celebrities like Lame, preserving the ability to return to the U.S. in the future is crucial for their global brand and business engagements. However, voluntary departure comes with conditions: the individual must leave by a specified date and may be required to meet certain obligations, such as attending an immigration hearing or showing proof of departure. Failure to comply can still result in future penalties. In summary, voluntary departure is a strategic legal exit rather than forced removal.

Where did Khaby Lame go after leaving the U.S.?

After his brief detainment and voluntary departure from the U.S. on June 6, 2025, Khaby Lame appeared to travel to São Paulo, Brazil. He posted an Instagram Story from the Brazilian city, suggesting he did not immediately return to Italy, where he holds citizenship. The move may have been both strategic and personal—Brazil is a country with a massive social media user base and a growing influencer economy, making it a fertile ground for content creators. Additionally, Brazil’s more relaxed visa requirements for Italian citizens might have made it a convenient next destination.

Lame’s exact travel intentions remain unknown, as he has not issued a public statement regarding his plans or the detainment incident itself.

However, his continued global visibility—despite the U.S. exit—illustrates his international appeal and adaptability. As a digital personality, Lame’s work is not geographically bound, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow him to remain connected to his fanbase no matter where he is. Nevertheless, his departure raises questions about

how international travel limitations could affect the scheduling and logistics of global events, brand deals, and appearances in countries with strict immigration rules like the United States.

Has Khaby Lame commented on his detainment by ICE?

As of today, Khaby Lame has not made any public comments regarding his detainment by U.S. immigration authorities or his subsequent voluntary departure. This silence aligns with his brand persona, which is largely built around non-verbal communication and wordless videos. However, given the political sensitivity of the matter—especially during a period of heightened immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration—it may also be a deliberate decision. Public statements from high-profile individuals on legal or political matters can carry significant implications, particularly if they involve criticism of a government agency. Lame’s silence has not stopped his fans from speculating or reacting online.

Comment sections on his posts have been flooded with references to the ICE incident, ranging from supportive messages to humorous quips. Some fans have urged him to regularize his visa status and return to the U.S. soon. Despite the media frenzy, Lame continues to post lighthearted content that steers clear of the controversy. Whether he will eventually speak out—or let the matter fade as just another chapter in his global influencer career—remains to be seen.

How has the public reacted to Khaby Lame’s ICE detainment?

Public reaction to Khaby Lame’s ICE detainment has been swift and varied. On social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, fans flooded the comment sections of his posts with words of support, questions, and memes referencing the incident. While many expressed sympathy and urged Lame to “stay strong” or “come back legally,” others emphasized the need to obey immigration laws, regardless of fame or status. “No exceptions, even for celebrities,” one commenter wrote, reflecting the ongoing national divide over immigration policy.

 The story has also gained traction in mainstream media, drawing attention not just to Lame’s visa overstay, but to the broader context of U.S. immigration enforcement under President Trump. Some civil rights groups and immigration advocates have pointed out that the optics of detaining a global celebrity may obscure the far more serious and widespread impacts of mass deportation policies on less visible populations. Meanwhile, Lame’s brand partners and business collaborators have remained quiet, possibly waiting to see how the situation unfolds. Overall, the incident has sparked debate not just about legality, but also fairness, treatment of immigrants, and the role of celebrity in navigating international borders.

What role did Trump’s immigration policy play in this incident?

Khaby Lame’s detainment occurred during an aggressive phase of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in 2025. Having returned to office with a renewed mandate, Trump has directed federal agencies like ICE to enforce stricter visa compliance and carry out high-visibility deportation campaigns. These include raids in schools, airports, and workplaces, often without much advance notice or transparency.

While Lame’s case was relatively routine—he overstayed a visa and voluntarily departed—it reflects the heightened scrutiny and zero-tolerance atmosphere under Trump’s policy.

His administration’s approach has emphasized mass deportations, strict border enforcement, and broader cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Critics argue this environment fosters fear, undermines due process, and can ensnare individuals—even high-profile ones—for relatively minor infractions. While Lame was not forcibly deported, the fact that such a well-known figure was detained suggests the reach of the policy. It also serves as a warning that even global celebrities are not immune from the legal and political realities of U.S. immigration law. The broader message of Trump’s crackdown is clear: no one is above the law, and visa compliance is being taken more seriously than ever.

What are the legal consequences of overstaying a U.S. visa?

Overstaying a U.S. visa can carry serious legal consequences, depending on the length of the overstay and whether the individual departs voluntarily. For overstays less than 180 days, individuals may be denied future visa renewals but are not subject to an automatic re-entry ban. Overstays between 180 days and one year result in a three-year re-entry ban, while overstays of over one year result in a ten-year ban. These penalties are triggered if the person departs the U.S. after overstaying. However, if the person is deported, the consequences can be even more severe.

In Khaby Lame’s case, ICE allowed voluntary departure, sparing him from these re-entry bans and keeping his immigration record cleaner. Nevertheless, a visa overstay can still complicate future travel to the U.S., as consular officers will take past violations into account when reviewing new visa applications. For public figures, the reputational risk and travel disruption can also impact business opportunities, event appearances, and partnerships. While Lame avoided the harshest penalties, his case highlights the importance of monitoring visa dates closely—especially in the United States, where immigration rules are strictly enforced.

Could this affect Khaby Lame’s ability to return to the U.S.?

Yes, Khaby Lame’s visa overstay—even though resolved through voluntary departure—could impact his ability to return to the U.S. in the future. When applying for a new visa, applicants must disclose previous immigration violations. Although voluntary departure is viewed more leniently than deportation, it still signals a breach of U.S. immigration laws. U.S. consular officers and Department of Homeland Security officials review such cases carefully before granting re-entry permission. The final decision may depend on factors such as the length of the overstay, reasons for the visit, and the applicant’s public or professional standing.

Lame’s high-profile status could work both for and against him—his fame may signal credibility, but it could also draw additional scrutiny.

The fact that he is a prominent influencer with many business interests in the U.S. may help his case, especially if he applies for a work visa or O-1 visa reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability. However, there are no guarantees, and each application is judged on its own merits. Legal representation and documentation proving ties to his home country or compliance with visa rules going forward will be critical.

What does this incident reveal about fame, borders, and immigration law?

Khaby Lame’s experience illustrates the sharp boundary between global fame and legal jurisdiction. Despite his unparalleled popularity on TikTok and international brand deals, Lame was subject to the same immigration laws as any other foreign visitor. This underscores a fundamental principle: fame does not exempt individuals from legal obligations, especially in tightly regulated systems like U.S. immigration. The incident also highlights the tensions that arise when digital celebrities, whose audiences span continents, must navigate real-world borders and bureaucracies.

Unlike entertainment or business platforms, immigration systems operate on national law, and failure to comply—even unintentionally—can lead to significant consequences. Additionally, the case brings visibility to how immigration policies affect not just vulnerable or undocumented populations, but also high-profile individuals. It exposes how enforcement decisions are shaped not only by legality, but also by the political climate—in this case, under a Trump administration determined to make immigration control a centerpiece issue. Ultimately, Lame’s detainment serves as a reminder that in a globalized world, mobility is still controlled by sovereign laws—and even the most famous faces are accountable.