TikTok Star Khaby Lame Detained in US Over Immigration Rule

In a surprise move that caught the attention of the media and his massive following, Italian TikTok star Khaby Lame was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for violating immigration rules.

The 25-year-old UNICEF goodwill ambassador had arrived in the US on April 30 for the Met Gala, held on May 5, after collaborating with Hugo Boss for the event.

A Brief but Eventful Trip for Khaby Lame

Lame’s trip to the US, however, took an unexpected turn when he attempted to depart from Las Vegas on Friday, June 6. According to a statement from ICE, Lame was detained at the Harry Reid International Airport for overstaying the terms of his visa. Despite this, he was released the same day and has since departed the US.

Lame’s detention may have caused a stir, but it hasn’t impacted his massive following. With over 162 million followers and 2.5 billion likes, he is the most followed account on TikTok. His journey to fame began just five years ago when he started posting content during the COVID-19 pandemic after losing his job at a factory.

The Secret to Khaby Lame’s Success

Speaking to Today last year, Khaby Lame attributed his success to the simplicity and universality of his content. He explained that people enjoy his videos because they are easy to understand and relate to, even without words. Lame’s unique style and ability to convey humor through expressions have made him a beloved figure worldwide.

A Brief Moment of Turbulence

Although Lame hasn’t publicly addressed the issue, his detention has not seemed to affect his online presence. Just a day after his release, he took to TikTok to post a promotional video of him pretending to mine like a character from Minecraft, with Tony the Tiger of Kellogg’s. The video was a lighthearted attempt to continue entertaining his massive following.

A Life of Luxury Compared to Humble Beginnings

Lame’s current life is far removed from his humble beginnings. He has collaborated with major brands like Hugo Boss and has attended high-profile events like the Met Gala. His rise to fame serves as a testament to the power of social media and its ability to change lives.

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