Khaby Lame leaves the US after ICE detention for visa overstay

In June 2023, Khaby Lame, a well-known Senegalese-Italian TikTok star, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. He was accused of overstaying his visa, having initially entered the U.S. on April 30, 2023, on a temporary visa. Following his detainment, which occurred on June 6, Lame was granted a voluntary departure, allowing him to leave the country without facing a formal deportation order that could have barred him from reentering the United States for an extended period. Lame’s rise to fame began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he started sharing comedic skits that parodied convoluted life hacks. His popularity on TikTok blossomed, and he has maintained his status as the most followed individual on the platform with over 162 million followers. During his time in the U.S., he attended high-profile events such as the Met Gala, showcasing his celebrity status and the attention surrounding him. While Lame was allowed to leave voluntarily without being formally deported, his experience highlights issues surrounding immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. His case received significant media coverage, amplifying discussions on immigration policies and the treatment of high-profile individuals within the U.S. immigration system. Many of his followers reacted to the news on social media, revealing a mix of support and concern regarding his visa situation. After departing from the United States, it's reported that Khaby Lame shared moments from São Paulo, Brazil through social media, leading to speculation about his immediate whereabouts post-departure. Until now, Lame has not publicly addressed the details surrounding his detention nor the allegations of overstaying his visa, and the public continues to follow his journey on social media platforms. As he navigates his return to any region, the legal implications of his visa overstay may carry significant weight for future travels and continued social media influence.