Khaby Lame Detained in the U.S. Over Visa Issue: What Really Happened
Max: The internet erupted this week with news that TikTok superstar Khaby Lame had been detained at a U.S. airport over a visa violation. Conflicting reports and a politically charged tweet added to the confusion, leaving fans wondering what really happened.
MAX Global breaks down the full story based on official sources and media reports.
Detained at a U.S. Airport: The Timeline
On June 6, 2025, Khaby Lame — one of the most followed creators on TikTok — was briefly detained by U.S. immigration officials at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. According to a statement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Senegalese-Italian content creator had overstayed his visa, which permitted entry from April 30, 2025. His presence in the country beyond the allowed period triggered a routine administrative procedure.
ICE emphasized that Khaby was not arrested or charged with a crime. He was briefly held for administrative review and released the same day, under the condition that he voluntarily leave the country within 24 hours.
A Political Tweet That Went Viral
The situation took an unexpected turn when American political activist Bo Loudon — known for his ties to Donald Trump’s circle — posted a tweet claiming that he had reported Khaby as an undocumented visitor. The tweet quickly gained traction, igniting debate across social media. Some viewed it as an unnecessary escalation, while others praised the enforcement of immigration rules regardless of celebrity status.
Despite viral claims suggesting that Khaby was deported, ICE later confirmed in a public statement that he left the country voluntarily on June 7, 2025, without incident or legal consequences.
No Criminal Record, But a Canceled Appearance
According to Hindustan Times, Khaby Lame departed the U.S. peacefully and without a criminal record. He is believed to have returned to Italy, where he resides. Notably, he canceled a scheduled appearance at a tech event in Los Angeles, which fueled speculation that the incident may have affected his short-term plans.
As of now, Khaby has not issued a personal statement regarding the matter. His social media channels have remained quiet since the incident.
Fame Doesn’t Exempt You from the Law
This episode serves as a reminder that no level of online fame can shield someone from immigration laws. Khaby Lame — known for his signature silent reactions mocking overly complicated life hacks — found himself in a genuinely complicated situation over a minor administrative oversight.
While the mishap appears to have no long-term legal impact, the event may influence how U.S. immigration authorities handle his future travel applications. Still, with over 160 million followers on TikTok, Khaby’s global influence is unlikely to suffer a serious blow.