TikTok’s most followed creator, Khaby Lame, was detained by ICE in the US for overstaying his visa and forced to leave the country.
The most followed TikToker in the world detained and forced to leave the US by ICE
British comedian John Oliver once told NBC’s Seth Meyers that living in the United States—even as a legal permanent resident—can be a constant source of stress. Relying on outdated government policies that both major political parties agree need reform leaves many people with few protections. With up to 18.6 million people living in the U.S. without legal status, you might already follow celebrities or influencers who fall into this broad category, without even realizing it.
But the recent detainment of TikTok star Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame) tells a different story, one that underscores the risks even for those simply visiting the country.
TikTok’s most followed creator detained by ICE
Lame, who has amassed 162 million followers on TikTok—the most of any user on the platform—is best known for his silent reaction videos, where his expressive facial cues say everything. He was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for overstaying his visa, as reported by NPR. ICE confirmed to the outlet that Lame was granted voluntary departure, meaning he was allowed to leave the country without a formal deportation order.
@khaby.lame Arriving in style at the Met Gala with BOSS #beyourownboss
♬ original sound - Khabane lame
The Senegalese-born Italian citizen had entered the U.S. on April 30, 2025, and attended the Met Gala in New York City during his trip. According to ICE, Lame overstayed the terms of his visa, though he was not arrested or deported in the legal sense. Instead, he was offered the chance by DHS to leave the country voluntarily, which he accepted. Lame has not provided any public comments about his interactions with ICE.
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