Khaby Lame, the Italian content creator of Senegalese descent, is known worldwide for his iconic silent reaction videos that simplify overly complicated “life hacks.” With over 162 million TikTok followers, he holds the title of the most-followed creator on the platform — and boasts around 300 million followers across all social media.
But this week, the social media superstar made headlines for a different reason. Khaby was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa. He arrived in the United States on April 30 and was stopped at Harry Reid International Airport on Friday. ICE later confirmed that while he had overstayed the terms of his visa, he was not deported. Instead, Khaby was granted voluntary departure, which helps avoid a formal deportation record — a crucial move that allows easier re-entry in the future.
The incident occurs amid increasing scrutiny of immigration in the U.S., with President Donald Trump ramping up enforcement efforts. Recent ICE operations in cities like Los Angeles have sparked ongoing protests.
Khaby has not publicly commented on the incident. Media outlets, including the Associated Press, have reached out for a statement.
From TikTok Fame to Hollywood Appearances
Born Seringe Khabane Lame, Khaby moved to Italy as a child and holds Italian citizenship. His meteoric rise during the pandemic came from his universally relatable and wordless comedy videos — a style that resonated across cultures.
Khaby’s online fame has since spilled into mainstream entertainment. He signed a multi-year partnership with Hugo Boss in 2022 and made a voice cameo in the Italian dub of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In 2024, he made his Hollywood debut with a cameo in Bad Boys: Ride or Die, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
He even headlined his own unscripted series, “Khaby Is Coming to America”, which premiered on Tubi. In January 2025, Khaby was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, further cementing his status as a global figure.
Just last month, Khaby walked the red carpet at the Met Gala in New York — only days before his detainment.
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