In a surprising turn of events, Khaby Lame, the world’s most followed TikTok star, has been deported from the United States after being arrested for overstaying his visa. The 25-year-old Italian-Senegalese content creator, who boasts over 160 million followers on TikTok and more than 80 million on Instagram, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 6, 2025.
ICE confirmed in an official statement that Lame was taken into custody at Harry Reid International Airport after it was discovered that he had overstayed the permitted duration of his visit. According to the agency, Khaby entered the U.S. on April 30 on a non-immigrant visa which typically allows a 30-day stay unless otherwise extended.
“Mr. Khabane Lame was arrested for remaining in the country beyond the terms of his visa,” the statement read. “Following a review process, he was granted a voluntary departure order and exited the country in compliance with U.S. immigration laws.”
The sudden development has stirred conversations online, especially among fans and social media enthusiasts who are puzzled by the creator’s silence in the immediate aftermath of his arrest. Notably, Khaby Lame did not release any public statement to address the situation, fueling speculation about the circumstances of his detainment and deportation.
However, shortly after news of his deportation made headlines, Lame broke his silence indirectly through an Instagram story. In a post on Wednesday, he shared his new location: São Paulo, Brazil—seemingly confirming his departure from the U.S.
Khaby Lame rose to global fame during the COVID-19 pandemic with his humorous, wordless reaction videos that poke fun at overcomplicated life hacks. His deadpan expressions and relatability made him a viral phenomenon, earning him global recognition and brand deals with top-tier companies such as Hugo Boss, Binance, and even collaborations with football stars and Hollywood celebrities.
Many fans are shocked that such a high-profile personality could fall foul of immigration regulations. However, experts note that international celebrities are not exempt from immigration laws and must adhere to visa guidelines regardless of their status.
“Unfortunately, no matter how famous you are, U.S. immigration law applies equally,” said Michael Shaw, a U.S.-based immigration attorney. “Unless you’re on an artist visa or have legal residency, overstaying your tourist visa can have real consequences.”
Khaby’s deportation may have implications for his brand endorsements and future U.S.-based collaborations. While voluntary departure does not carry the same legal weight as forced deportation—which often leads to automatic travel bans—he may still face hurdles re-entering the U.S. in the near future.
According to ICE policies, individuals who voluntarily leave may be eligible to apply for re-entry, but approval is not guaranteed and depends on the nature of the violation and future visa petitions.
Despite the controversy, Khaby appears to be moving forward swiftly. His relocation to Brazil could signal new partnerships or international engagements in Latin America. It also aligns with his global brand, which has seen increasing fan bases in South America, Africa, and Asia.
As fans await his next move, speculation remains high regarding whether this visa incident was a clerical error, a miscommunication, or simply a case of oversight during his extensive global travels.
For now, Khaby Lame’s journey through the unpredictable world of fame and international law continues—just not on American soil.