Khaby Lame, one of the world’s most prominent social media personalities, faced a brief period of detention during his recent visit to the United States, causing a wave of concern among his global fanbase.
The popular TikTok star reportedly overstayed his visa after arriving in the US on April 30 for last month’s Met Gala in New York City. Consequently, he was taken into custody by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas.
However, Lame subsequently departed the United States without receiving a formal deportation order.
Lame, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was apprehended last Friday at Harry Reid International Airport. An ICE spokesperson confirmed that he was permitted to depart voluntarily, a measure that prevents a deportation order from being added to his immigration record, as reported by Euro News. Such an order could potentially bar him from re-entering the US for up to a decade.
The 25-year-old influencer’s detainment coincides with President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on immigration policies. This crackdown has led to widespread protests against ICE, particularly in response to recent raids conducted in Los Angeles.
Lame initially gained international recognition through his distinctive TikTok videos, which he creates without speaking. He humorously reacts to absurdly complicated “life hacks,” and has successfully amassed a following exceeding 162 million on the platform.
