TikTok's Top Creator Khaby Lame Leaves US After ICE Detention

Khaby Lame, the most-followed creator on TikTok with over 162 million followers, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on Friday. According to a Department of Homeland Security official, Lame was detained for allegedly overstaying the terms of his visa. The Senegalese-Italian social media personality was subsequently granted voluntary departure, allowing him to avoid a formal deportation order, and has since left the United States.

The detention occurred within the context of the current administration's immigration enforcement actions. Lame, who was born in Senegal and is an Italian citizen, had recently attended the Met Gala in New York just weeks before the incident. Following his departure from the United States, Lame posted content on social media with a location tag indicating he was in São Paulo, Brazil, though his final destination remains unconfirmed.

Lame rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing his job, gaining fame through comedic content that often mocked overly complicated life hack videos. He surpassed Charli D'Amelio in June 2022 to become TikTok's most-followed creator and has since built substantial followings across multiple platforms, including 80 million Instagram followers and 12.5 million YouTube subscribers. Forbes estimates Lame earned approximately $20 million in 2024 through his social media presence and brand partnerships with companies including Fortnite, Sony Pictures, and Walmart.

The incident coincides with ongoing protests against ICE operations in several U.S. cities, particularly in Los Angeles where demonstrations erupted following the detention of dozens of immigrants. The federal response to these protests has included the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles, a decision that has generated disagreement between federal and local authorities. Similar demonstrations have subsequently occurred in other major cities including New York, Dallas, and Atlanta.