Charles Esther
TikTok’s most-followed creator, Khaby Lame, was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for overstaying his visa.
The incident occurred at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport, according to an ICE spokesperson.
Lame, who entered the United States on April 30, remained in the country beyond the authorized period of his visa.
After being detained, he was granted voluntary departure and has since exited the United States.
The Khaby Lame ICE detention incident has raised concerns among fans and industry observers regarding travel risks for foreign influencers.
Khaby Lame’s Rise to Fame Through TikTok
Khaby Lame became a global internet sensation through his signature style of silent comedic reactions on TikTok.
In 2022, he overtook other creators to become the platform’s most-followed user, amassing a following of over 160 million.
His viral videos often mocked overly complicated life hacks with simple, wordless responses.
This distinctive approach turned Lame into a social media icon admired for his universal humor and facial expressions.
He leveraged his fame into brand partnerships and mainstream appearances, including the prestigious Met Gala.
Brand Deals and Business Success in the United States
Despite his Italian-Senegalese roots, Lame’s business activities are primarily based in the United States.
In 2023 alone, he grossed $16.5 million from brand deals with global companies, according to Business Insider.
His clients include high-profile brands such as Google, State Farm, and Pepsi, with many of these deals centered in the U.S. market.
Pepsi notably worked with Lame during its advertising campaign for the 2024 Super Bowl.
These commercial successes have positioned him as a key figure in influencer marketing.
A Growing Presence Beyond Social Media
Lame has expanded his career beyond TikTok to include fashion, gaming, and entertainment.
He collaborated with Hugo Boss to create a clothing collection, further solidifying his crossover appeal.
In the gaming world, Lame appeared as a character in Fortnite, one of the most popular online games globally.
His widespread influence continues to grow, making his presence in the U.S. especially valuable for brand partnerships.
Despite his success abroad, Lame has stated that most of his sponsorships come from outside his home country of Italy.
Family Ties Keep Lame Connected to Italy
While his career thrives in the U.S., Khaby Lame still calls Italy home.
In previous interviews, he noted that his main reason for staying in Italy is to remain close to family.
However, he acknowledged the professional benefits of spending more time in the United States.
This dual existence underscores the challenges faced by international influencers navigating global fame.
Visa compliance is one of those often-overlooked complications.
ICE Confirms Detention and Departure
ICE officials confirmed that Lame was briefly held before being allowed to leave voluntarily.
This means he was not deported but chose to exit the country under a legal arrangement.
No further action is expected, and there are no current bans on his return, according to the agency’s spokesperson.
The incident may, however, impact how quickly he can re-enter the U.S. for future business or travel.
Lame’s team has declined to comment publicly on the detention.
Legal Hurdles Could Affect Future Sponsorships
Although Khaby Lame’s ICE detention was short-lived, the incident could complicate his future dealings in the U.S.
Some brands may hesitate to move forward with campaigns that require physical presence in America.
Visa management is a critical part of international influencer success, especially for creators with business ties in multiple countries.
Fans and partners alike will be watching closely to see how this situation evolves.
Lame’s status as a global influencer could prompt calls for more flexible visa options for digital creators.
