In a move that stunned fans across the globe, Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikToker, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities and forced to leave the country.
The 25-year-old Italian-Senegalese star...known for his hilarious facial expressions and wordless comedy...was stopped at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas last Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The reason? He had allegedly overstayed his visa.
The news spread like wildfire on social media... and fans were left confused, outraged, and heartbroken.
TikTok’s King Gets Dethroned In America
Khaby Lame rose to fame during the COVID-19 lockdowns, gaining millions of followers with his unique silent humor and reactions to overly complicated life hacks.
He quickly became a symbol of Gen Z humor, known for his "no need to overcomplicate" energy and relatable content.
But behind the fun was a quiet reality: Khaby, who was born in Senegal and raised in Italy, has always had a complicated relationship with international travel due to his legal status. Despite his fame, he wasn't a U.S. citizen... and that’s where the trouble began.
What Led to His Detention?
According to ICE, Khaby’s visa had expired several weeks prior. He was reportedly scheduled to renew it but didn’t make the appointment in time due to “travel conflicts.”
When he attempted to leave Las Vegas, agents flagged his passport at the airport. He was then briefly held and questioned, before being told he’d need to leave the U.S. immediately and reapply from abroad.
“He wasn’t arrested or deported,” ICE clarified in a statement. “He voluntarily departed after being informed of his visa violation.”
Still, the optics were damaging...and fans didn’t hold back online.
A Controversial Twist: Another Influencer Takes Credit
Adding fuel to the fire, a lesser-known teenage influencer named Bo Loudon ....a self-described pro-Trump Gen Z activist... claimed credit for tipping off authorities.
In a now-viral post, Loudon said, “If you’re gonna mock real Americans and support woke politics while on an expired visa... don’t be surprised when real Americans push back.”
He posted the message alongside a photo of Khaby with “#ByeByeKhaby” in the caption.
Some praised Loudon for “standing up for the law,” while others accused him of using the situation to boost his own fame.
It didn’t help that Loudon is associated with several right-wing digital platforms, some of which have been criticized for targeting non-citizen creators.
Social Media Reacts: Outrage, Support, and Speculation
On TikTok and Instagram, the mood was different.
Creators from around the world posted #JusticeForKhaby, calling his removal unfair and unnecessary. “He wasn’t hurting anyone,” one user said. “He just wanted to make people laugh.”
Others expressed frustration that immigration policies could affect such a global figure, especially someone who represents positivity and diversity online.
Even some U.S.-based influencers... typically silent on political matters... voiced their concern. “This isn’t about politics,” one content creator said. “It’s about how easy it is to lose everything you’ve built just because of paperwork.”
What Happens Now?
Khaby Lame is now back in Italy, where he’s already resumed posting. In one of his first comeback videos, he silently raises an eyebrow at a U.S. flag, then gives his iconic shrug.
There’s no word yet on whether he’ll be able to return to the U.S., but sources say his team is working “urgently” to secure a new visa.
He has many U.S. brand deals and planned appearances, including a tech conference in San Francisco next month...all now on hold.
For now, Khaby is keeping things light online... but the situation is anything but.
A Bigger Problem for Creators?
Khaby’s story isn’t just a personal setback. It raises a bigger question: Are immigration rules keeping up with digital careers?
Many influencers...especially from outside the U.S..... rely on short-term or creative work visas. These are often temporary, expensive, and hard to renew.
Some immigration experts say the system wasn’t built for global stars who go viral overnight. “You can gain 100 million followers in a year,” said one attorney. “But it still takes six months to get a work visa.”
As the creator economy keeps growing, this issue will likely become more common.
Khaby did made mistake, maybe he should renew it on time. But to remove him like this was too much, yes?
Think You Know the Real Story? Take the Khaby Lame Quiz Below!
Fans claim they know everything about Khaby... Prove it! Can you score 10/10 on the most viral quiz of the year? 🎯👇