Khaby Lame, the globally renowned content creator and the world’s most followed TikToker, has reportedly been deported from the United States following his arrest by U.S. immigration authorities.
The 25-year-old Italian-Senegalese social media sensation, who boasts over 160 million followers on TikTok, was taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6, 2025. According to ICE, Lame was arrested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for violating the terms of his visa after arriving in the country on April 30.
In a statement released by ICE, the agency confirmed that Lame was granted “a voluntary departure order” and has now left the country after “overstaying the terms of his visa.”
The incident has stirred significant buzz online, with fans and immigration commentators alike questioning how the internet megastar ended up entangled in such a situation.
Despite the growing attention, Khaby Lame has remained tight-lipped on the issue. He has yet to make any official statement addressing the controversy or providing clarity on what led to the visa lapse.
However, in what many see as a subtle acknowledgment of his new status, the TikTok star took to his Instagram Story where he commands an audience of over 80 million followers to post an update. The short but telling message simply read:
“São Paulo, Brazil.”
Lame’s unexpected deportation has raised further discussions about visa regulations for international influencers and celebrities, especially as many continue to traverse borders for work, collaborations, and appearances.
Known for his silent, satirical takes on overly complicated life hacks, Khaby Lame rose to global stardom during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a household name across continents. While fans are hoping for a swift return to normalcy, for now, the TikTok king is far from American shores.
