By Newspot Nigeria Global Desk
In a surprising turn of events, Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok creator, has been forced to leave the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa.
According to ICE officials, the 25-year-old Italian-Senegalese influencer was stopped at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and held briefly before being granted voluntary departure. He had reportedly entered the U.S. on April 30, but exceeded the legal duration of his visa stay.
With a staggering 160 million followers on TikTok, Lame skyrocketed to global fame for his signature silent humor and sarcastic reactions to everyday absurdities. His content, which resonates across language barriers, has transformed him into an international brand magnet.
💼 In 2023 alone, Business Insider reported that Lame earned over $16.5 million through lucrative brand deals with Google, Pepsi, State Farm, and even an appearance in the popular game Fortnite. He also walked the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala and collaborated with fashion giant Hugo Boss. Yet despite this deep U.S. market penetration, he admitted last year, “I don’t think I have a single sponsor in Italy.”
This incident raises fresh questions about visa policy enforcement, especially as high-profile creatives increasingly base their operations in the U.S. for better commercial opportunities. Lame’s case may serve as a cautionary tale for global influencers navigating U.S. immigration laws while building cross-border careers.
As of press time, Lame’s team has declined to comment on the matter, and it remains unclear whether he will pursue a new visa or stay away from the American market for the foreseeable future.
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