TikTok Star Self-Deports After ICE Detention

Khaby Lame, the world’s most followed influencer on TikTok, has voluntarily left the United States following a brief detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Senegalese-Italian internet personality, known for his deadpan humor and more than 162 million followers, faced the fallout from violating visa terms while attending high-profile events like the Met Gala.

TikTok Talent

The incident unfolded when Lame was detained at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. According to an ICE spokesperson, the TikTok star entered the U.S. on a temporary visa granted on April 30. His stay, however, did not comply with the visa’s stipulations, leading to an unexpected confrontation with immigration authorities. “Lame was granted voluntary departure … and has since departed the U.S.,” the ICE spokesperson stated, marking a swift resolution to Lame’s predicament. While it remains uncertain if he flew directly back to Italy, his subsequent appearance on Instagram showed him in São Paulo, Brazil, just a few days after his release from detention.

Online Reaction

Many of his followers took to the comments section of his posts to express their concerns and insights about the situation, urging accountability while still expressing their affection for the influencer. One Instagram follower reminded others, “Sad to hear. But laws have to be followed wherever you go. No exceptions. Even if you don’t agree with them. In any country, you have to follow THEIR laws, not your beliefs, wants, or desires. Hang in there @khaby00 and make it all legal! You are loved by so many!” As Lame’s followers grappled with the news, they also began to discuss the implications of such incidents on influencers who might overlook crucial legalities amidst their flourishing careers. Another comment encapsulated the mixed sentiments surrounding the situation, suggesting, “Bro ain’t deported just winning,” emphasizing a sense of defiance among his loyal fan base.

TikTok Backlash

Lame’s detainment has ignited conversations about broader societal issues. His predicament surfaces as other influencers utilize their platforms to draw attention to the consequences of mass deportation efforts, particularly regarding the lack of due process seen in enforcement practices in cities like Los Angeles. Several of the TikTok star’s followers have taken to social media, noting that Lame’s incident serves as a microcosm of a much larger narrative about immigrant rights and the experiences of public figures under scrutiny. Lame has not yet issued a public statement regarding the accusations of overstaying his visa, leaving many to speculate about his future.

The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ and ICE

The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” signed into law by President Donald Trump last week will allow him to dramatically expand his immigration crackdown, giving ICE an unprecedented pool of funding to bolster its efforts to arrest and deport immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The money allocated by the law amounts to the most significant infusion of funds Congress has given the federal government for immigration enforcement, at a time when the Trump administration has vowed to oversee a deportation campaign of unprecedented proportions. Overall, the Republican-led Congress allocated roughly $170 billion for immigration enforcement and border security efforts through the legislation including $75 billion in additional funding for ICE, making it the highest-funded law enforcement agency in the federal government.

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