Who Is Khaby Lame? TikTok’s Most-Followed Creator Leaves US After ICE Detention

From Factory Worker to Global TikTok Icon

June 11, 2025: Khaby Lame (real name Khabane Lame), born March 9, 2000, in Senegal and raised in Italy, first rose to fame in March 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. After losing his factory job near Turin, he started creating caption-free TikTok videos where he humorously simplifies overcomplicated “life hacks.” That relatable content catapulted him to become the world’s most-followed TikTok creator with around 162 million followers.

In just over a year, Khaby surpassed millions with his signature deadpan expression and universal non‑verbal humor, earning him spots on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Forbes 30 Under 30.

A Diverse Career Beyond TikTok

Khaby’s success has extended far beyond short-form videos:

Brand partnerships with major names like Hugo Boss, Fortnite, Sony Pictures, Walmart, Google, State Farm, and Pepsi — reportedly earning up to $750,000 per post and amassing a net worth between $16.5–20 million.

Appearances in films (Bad Boys: Ride or Die), TV (judge on Italia’s Got Talent), voice cameos, acting roles, and media ambassador duties (UNICEF goodwill ambassador).

A cameo role in the NBA’s Celebrity All-Star Game and participation in major events like the Venice Film Festival .

ICE Detains and Khaby Leaves the US

On June 6, 2025, Khaby was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport for allegedly overstaying his visa, after arriving on April 30. An 18-year-old MAGA-aligned influencer, Bo Loudon — close to Barron Trump — claimed responsibility for reporting him to ICE .

Instead of facing formal deportation, Khaby was permitted a voluntary departure, preserving his eligibility to re-enter the U.S. in the future.

Why This Matters: The Bigger Immigration Picture

This detention took place under an intensified immigration enforcement era by the Trump administration, marked by airport raids and heightened visa scrutiny. ICE officials used Khaby’s situation to demonstrate the administration’s focus on visa compliance, even for global media figures.

Khaby’s Response and Fans’ Reactions

No direct comment from Khaby has emerged since his departure — though he continues to share content across social platforms

Fans and observers have voiced both concern for his well-being and frustration over what they perceive as politically motivated enforcement against a beloved international influencer.

What’s Ahead for Khaby Lame

Although briefly barred, Khaby may still return to the U.S. for business, performances, or events — his voluntary departure likely keeping future travel options open .

He continues to build a diversified career across platforms, media, and advocacy — even as his visa incident highlights the complex challenges faced by global content creators navigating international regulations.