World’s Most Popular TikTok Star Khaby Lame Leaves U.S. After Being Detained by ICE

Los Angeles, CA — Khaby Lame, the world’s most followed TikTok personality, has left the United States after a brief but highly publicized detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), his management team confirmed Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Senegalese-Italian content creator, known for his viral silent reaction videos and signature deadpan expressions, was detained for over 24 hours after arriving in Los Angeles for a brand partnership and creator summit last week. ICE officials have not publicly commented on the reason for the detention, citing privacy laws, but sources close to the situation say it was related to a visa technicality.

Lame, who currently holds more than 160 million followers on TikTok, was reportedly traveling on an O-1 visa—a type issued to individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or sciences. Despite holding the correct documentation, agents at Los Angeles International Airport detained him, citing irregularities in his travel history and paperwork.


Detention Sparks International Response

Lame’s detention quickly gained traction online after his team posted a cryptic Instagram story reading, “We are working to resolve an unexpected legal issue. Khaby is safe.” By the following day, hashtags like #FreeKhaby and #JusticeForKhaby were trending on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.

International media outlets across Europe and Africa picked up the story, with public figures and fans criticizing the U.S. immigration system. In Italy, where Lame resides and holds citizenship, government officials expressed concern.

“We are closely monitoring this situation,” said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in a statement. “Khaby Lame is a cultural ambassador for a generation. His treatment must reflect the respect due to his international status.”


ICE’s Growing Scrutiny

While ICE did not release a formal statement, the incident has added fuel to ongoing debates surrounding the agency’s discretion at ports of entry. Critics argue that the detention of high-profile individuals—especially those with valid visas—highlights systemic inconsistencies and raises concerns over potential profiling.

“This should never have happened,” said Dr. Sarah Mueller, a professor of immigration law at UCLA. “Detaining a global public figure with proper paperwork only underscores the arbitrary and opaque nature of some ICE decisions. If it can happen to Khaby Lame, it can happen to anyone.”

Supporters of the agency argue that customs and border enforcement officials must be thorough in verifying documents, even for celebrity figures.

Voluntary Departure Amid Tensions

Lame’s management confirmed that, after being released, he made the decision to leave the United States voluntarily “out of caution and respect for the process.” In a statement shared via his Instagram account, Lame wrote:

> “I believe in peace, in humor, and in people coming together—not being divided. I hope my experience can help improve how we treat guests in any country. I look forward to coming back soon—with all documents even more in order.”



The message was accompanied by a silent video of Lame mimicking ICE agents flipping through paperwork, ending with his iconic shrug and hand gesture—his trademark method of speaking volumes without saying a word.

Fallout in the Creator Community

The incident has sent ripples through the social media creator ecosystem, particularly among international influencers who frequently travel to the U.S. for partnerships, events, and collaborations.

“This is more than a travel headache—it’s a signal that even the biggest names in digital media aren’t immune from mistreatment at the border,” said Marcy Liu, founder of a global influencer management firm based in New York. “It could make many creators think twice about participating in U.S.-based events.”

Several top influencers, including Addison Rae and MrBeast, expressed public support for Lame and called on event organizers and talent agencies to provide better legal and immigration support for international attendees.


Looking Ahead

While Lame’s return to Italy brings immediate resolution to the incident, the broader implications remain. His team has indicated they will seek legal recourse and a formal apology from the agencies involved. Meanwhile, advocacy groups are using the case to push for increased transparency in ICE procedures, particularly at airports.

“Khaby Lame’s story is powerful not just because of his fame, but because it mirrors what thousands go through quietly every year,” said Yasmin Ocampo, spokesperson for Border Rights Watch, a nonprofit advocating for immigrant and traveler rights. “It’s time we rethink how we balance security with dignity.”

As of now, Lame is continuing his creative work from his home studio in Milan, where he has resumed posting new videos. His latest TikTok, captioned simply “When paperwork wins,” has already garnered over 20 million views.


Correction Note:
An earlier version of this article misstated the type of visa Khaby Lame holds. It has been updated to reflect that he was traveling on an O-1 visa.