Las Vegas, NV – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that TikTok sensation Khabane "Khaby" Lame was temporarily detained in Las Vegas last week for overstaying his visa, dispelling viral rumors of a more severe arrest.
The speculation began when Bo Loudon, a social media personality who claims to be close to Barron Trump, posted online that he was responsible for Lame’s alleged detention. The claim spread rapidly, with many falsely asserting that the internet star—the most-followed creator on TikTok—had been taken into ICE custody for being in the U.S. illegally.
However, ICE clarified that Lame, a 25-year-old Italian citizen, was briefly held on Friday, June 6, at Harry Reid International Airport after officials determined he had overstayed his visa. He was released the same day and has since left the country.
From Factory Worker to Global Star
Lame, who was born in Senegal but moved to Italy as a child, gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for his silent, sarcastic reactions to overly complicated "life hack" videos. His signature deadpan expressions and exaggerated gestures earned him over 162 million TikTok followers, making him the platform’s top creator.
After losing his factory job in 2020, Lame turned to content creation, where his wordless comedy transcended language barriers. His rise to stardom was not without challenges—he previously spoke about difficulties obtaining U.S. visas due to his Senegalese passport, which caused him to miss major events before acquiring Italian citizenship in 2022.
Timing Amid Italy’s Citizenship Debate
Lame’s brief encounter with U.S. immigration comes as Italy holds a national referendum on whether to shorten the residency requirement for non-EU nationals seeking citizenship from 10 years to five. The debate has sparked discussions about immigration policies and integration in Europe.
While Lame has not publicly commented on the incident, fans have flooded social media with support, emphasizing his legal status and poking fun at the exaggerated rumors.
For now, the viral star appears to be back on track—likely plotting his next silent, yet hilarious, clapback at life’s unnecessary complications.
