TikTok Sensation Khaby Lame Detained by ICE: What Happened and Why He Soon Returned to the U.S.

Khaby Lame, the popular TikTok star known for his hilarious, silent sketches, made headlines recently due to an immigration issue. Last week, he was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Nevada for overstaying his visa.

Lame, who is originally from Senegal but moved to Italy at a young age, shot to fame on TikTok with his clever takes on absurd life hacks. As of now, he boasts 162.2 million followers, making him one of the most followed personalities on the platform.

His visa situation unfolded after he attended the Met Gala in New York, where he was still basking in the glow of his recent successes. According to ICE, he entered the U.S. legally on April 30 but remained past the allowed date. After his detention at Harry Reid International Airport, he opted for “voluntary departure,” meaning he left the U.S. without facing formal removal.

Interestingly, immigration issues for public figures are common, and public sentiment can shift dramatically based on coverage. Social media reactions to Lame’s detention have highlighted both support for him and criticism of the immigration system. Many fans took to platforms like Twitter to voice their opinions.

In the larger context of U.S. immigration, a report from the Pew Research Center reveals that the population of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. is now estimated to be around 10.5 million, with many facing similar challenges. This situation reflects ongoing debates about immigration reform and the treatment of foreign visitors.

Payal Arora, a digital anthropologist, explains Lame’s appeal: “He humorously highlights the absurdity of influencers while reassuring everyday people that they are not the ones being ridiculous.” This message resonates widely, especially in today’s influencer-heavy social media landscape.

Lame, now a citizen of Italy, faced hurdles to gain citizenship despite his prominence. He previously expressed concerns about his status, noting he had lived in Italy since childhood. Only last summer did he finally achieve citizenship, underscoring the complexities immigrant figures often encounter even as they gain fame.

His story serves as a reminder that behind the highlights of celebrity life, there remain real challenges and systemic issues.



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