Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star, was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6, 2025, at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The incident has since been clarified by official sources, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Khaby Lame, born Khabane Serigne Lame in Senegal in 2000, rose to fame with his silent, humorous videos that simplify overly complicated life hacks. As of June 2025, he boasts over 162 million followers on TikTok. On April 30, 2025, Lame entered the United States; however, he overstayed the terms of his visa. On June 6, ICE detained him at the airport for this violation. He was released the same day and granted “voluntary departure,” allowing him to leave the U.S. without facing formal deportation.
The news of Lame’s detention quickly spread online, fueled by a screenshot from the ICE detainee locator site shared by Bo Loudon, a conservative commentator. Loudon claimed to have reported Lame for overstaying his visa, alleging that the TikTok star had “evaded taxes” and was “living on an invalid visa.” However, these claims were unverified, and ICE’s official website did not list any such arrest. Lame’s representatives have not confirmed the allegations, leading many to question the authenticity of the reports.
Khaby Lame’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of social media. After losing his factory job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he began posting silent reaction videos to overly complicated “life hacks,” which quickly gained popularity. His straightforward and humorous approach resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling him to become the most-followed TikToker globally. In addition to his social media success, Lame has used his platform to advocate for global issues and inspire children, serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
