The immigration department confirmed that ICE detained Serine Khabane Lame, popularly known as Khaby, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, for immigration violations, after such claims went viral with any official clarification. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Khaby entered the US April 30 and overstayed the terms of his visa. Khaby was granted voluntary departure June 6 and has since departed the US.Khabane “Khaby” Lame is a Senegalese-Italian TikTok star, born on March 9, 2000, and the platform’s most-followed creator with over 162 million followers as of 2025. He gained fame during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic after losing his factory job in Chivasso, Italy, where he’s lived since age one. Known for his silent, deadpan comedy, Khaby mocks overly complicated “life hack” videos by showing simpler solutions, using expressive facial reactions and a signature hand gesture. His wordless style, inspired by universal humor, has made him globally relatable.Khaby became TikTok’s most-followed user in June 2022, surpassing Charli D’Amelio. He’s earned up to $750,000 per post, with a net worth estimated at $16 million, through brand deals with Hugo Boss, Fortnite, and Walmart, among others. He’s also ventured into acting, appearing in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), starring in the Tubi series Khaby Is Coming to America, and judging on Italia’s Got Talent. A practicing Muslim, Khaby married Wendy Thembelihle Juel in 2023, but they separated by May 2024. He’s been recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Fortune’s 40 Under 40.Khaby’s arrest or detainment was largely dismissed as fake news before ICE confirmed it. The speculation stemmed from posts by Conservative activist Bo Loudon. Khaby is an Italian citizen since 2022 though he stayed in Italy since childhood after his family came to the country from Senegal.
