Khaby Lame’s journey from a factory worker in Chivasso, Italy, to TikTok’s most-followed star is a testament to universal humor.
Without uttering a word, the 24-year-old captivated millions by mocking absurd “life hacks” with deadpan expressions. His minimalist skits, often tagged #learnfromkhaby, earned him 162 million followers and partnerships with Hugo Boss, Doritos, and Binance.
In June 2025, Lame’s name made headlines for unexpected reasons. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, citing an expired visa. Officials claimed Lame, who entered the country on April 30, overstayed the terms of his stay. Instead of facing deportation, he received voluntary departure and left the country the same day—avoiding a ten-year reentry ban.
The incident sparked confusion. A representative from Sharks Celebrities Management called the ICE report “fake news,” insisting Lame hadn’t visited the U.S. that month.
However, images from the 2025 Met Gala in New York on May 5 confirmed otherwise. Lame offered no public statement but soon resumed posting, including a photo in São Paulo with Brazilian soccer star Emerson Royal.
For those Googling “why was Khaby Lame detained by ICE,” the case reveals the immigration risks celebrities face despite their fame. Lame became an Italian citizen in 2022 after rising to global fame during the pandemic. His silent comedy speaks to all audiences—but legal systems speak in far stricter terms.
The story escalated when 18-year-old conservative influencer Bo Loudon claimed credit for tipping off ICE. A pro-Trump figure and self-proclaimed friend of Barron Trump, Loudon called Lame an “illegal alien” and labeled him a “far-left influencer.” ICE confirmed the detention but not Loudon’s role. Critics accused Loudon of racial profiling and politically motivated harassment.
Online, reactions split. Some praised enforcement under Trump’s return to office.
Others denounced the episode as targeted and unjust. As protests over immigration policy grow, Lame’s case becomes more than viral gossip.
It reflects the tense intersection of celebrity, politics, and enforcement. Still, from Brazil, Khaby Lame continues to post, his silent humor undimmed—while the world watches what happens next.
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