ISLAMABAD: Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator, was briefly detained by US immigration authorities at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas due to a visa overstay.
The 25-year-old Italian citizen, known for his signature silent reaction videos, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on Friday.
Lame had entered the United States on April 30 and remained beyond the permitted stay outlined in his visa.
ICE confirmed that he was released the same day under a “voluntary departure” agreement, after which he promptly exited the country.
As of Saturday afternoon, Lame had not made any public statements regarding the incident.
Stricter Enforcement Under Trump Administration
This incident occurred amid intensified immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
The administration has prioritized stricter visa regulations, border controls, and increased deportations in recent months.
While visa-related detentions are not uncommon, Lame’s case attracted international attention due to his global celebrity status.
Swift Resolution Despite Controversy
Observers noted the unusually quick handling of the case, as Lame was processed and allowed to leave voluntarily within hours.
A UNICEF goodwill ambassador with over 162 million TikTok followers, Lame rose to fame by humorously simplifying overly complicated internet life hacks without saying a word.
His fans worldwide have since been speculating about the incident on social media, awaiting an official response.
