Khaby Lame, a prominent TikTok creator, recently left the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Las Vegas. According to ICE, Lame, an Italian citizen, was detained for overstaying his visa and was subsequently granted voluntary departure.
Lame, who is the most followed individual on TikTok with over 160 million followers, was born in Senegal and moved to Italy as a child. He gained Italian citizenship in August 2022. His rise to fame began during the pandemic when he started posting silent comedic videos on TikTok, following a layoff from his factory job. These videos quickly gained popularity, dramatically transforming his life.
Despite the recent detainment, Lame has remained active on social media but has not publicly addressed the incident. His detainment occurred in the context of strict immigration enforcement policies in the U.S., which have included widespread raids and deportation efforts.
Earlier in 2025, Lame was seen attending the Met Gala, showcasing his continued presence in high-profile events.