• Source:JND
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Senegalese-Italian social media star Khabane 'Khaby' Lame, world-famous for his silent-humorous TikToks, was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas on June 6 for suspected immigration infractions, officials reported on Saturday. Lame, 25 years old, arrived in the United States on April 30, 2025, and overstayed the validity of his visa, ICE stated in a statement given to AFP. He was arrested at Harry Reid International Airport and released on the same day. Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, an Italian citizen, was arrested by ICE for immigration infractions and ordered released with voluntary departure. He subsequently departed the United States," the agency said.

Political Activist Says He Reported Lame

The arrest took off after political activist Bo Loudon took credit for Lame's arrest, accusing the TikToker of being an "illegal alien." Loudon went on X (previously Twitter), stating he had been “working with patriots at President Trump’s DHS” to report Lame. “President Trump’s ICE just officially arrested far-left TikToker, Khaby Lame,” Loudon wrote, also sharing an unverified screenshot from ICE’s detainee locator. But no official word was given by ICE about Loudon's involvement in the case, and Khaby Lame’s representatives have not released a statement yet.

Who Is Khaby Lame?

Khaby Lame became a social media sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing silent reaction videos that ridicule convoluted life hacks using basic facial expressions and hand movements, famously referred to as the "Khaby move." His universal and relatable sense of humor made him an international star.

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• Most popular TikToker in 2025 with 162.2 million followers
• Included in Forbes 30 Under 30, Fortune 40 Under 40
• Partnered with leading brands such as Hugo Boss, Fortnite, and Walmart
• Made 750,000 USD from a single branded video
• Starred in 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' with Will Smith
• Walked the Met Gala 2025 red carpet

Born in Senegal but raised in Italy, Lame was previously employed as a factory worker in Chivasso, near Turin, before losing his job in 2020. He started making TikTok videos shortly afterwards and soon turned into a viral sensation.

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ICE clarified that Lame was not deported but voluntarily departed the US after being granted relief under immigration rules. It remains unclear whether the influencer plans to return to the US in the future or whether any new visa application will be filed. As of now, Khaby Lame has not publicly commented on his detention or exit from the US.