Khaby Lame Detained for Visa Overstay in Nevada
Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator, found himself at the center of an unexpected immigration incident earlier this month. The 25-year-old Italian citizen was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for overstaying his visa. However, he was released the same day after agreeing to a voluntary departure from the United States.
Details of the Detention
ICE confirmed that Lame entered the U.S. on April 30, 2025, and remained past the authorized period allowed by his visa. He was taken into custody on June 6, 2025, but was promptly released after cooperating with immigration officials. Subsequently, Lame left the country voluntarily.
Despite the high-profile nature of this incident, Lame has not publicly commented on the event. Meanwhile, an online dispute arose when social media influencer Bo Loudon claimed responsibility for reporting Lame’s visa status and pushed for his deportation, calling him an “illegal alien.” Loudon also asserted he worked with Department of Homeland Security officials to facilitate the action, a statement unconfirmed by immigration authorities.
Who Is Khaby Lame?
Originally from Senegal and now an Italian national, Khaby Lame shot to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic. His silent comedy skits poking fun at overly complicated internet life hacks quickly captivated audiences worldwide. With his signature gesture—palms facing upward, accompanied by a wry smile—he simplifies absurd tutorials in a way that resonates universally.
Khaby’s rise from losing his factory job in Turin to becoming TikTok’s most-followed creator is remarkable. As of June 2025, he boasts over 162 million followers on the platform. His success has translated into substantial earnings, reportedly around $16.5 million through brand endorsements from mid-2022 to late 2023. Notably, he has also been recognized by prestigious lists such as Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40.
The Road Ahead
This incident highlights the complexities many international creators face regarding visas and legal status in the U.S., especially amid tighter immigration enforcement under the current administration. While Khaby Lame continues to enjoy immense popularity online, this encounter with immigration authorities serves as a reminder of the legal hurdles public figures must navigate behind the scenes.
