Shockwaves on Social Media: Why Was TikTok Star Khaby Lame Detained in the US?

Is it possible that the world’s most famous shrug could land someone in hot water with immigration? Italian TikTok titan Khaby Lame—yes, the guy with the now-iconic hand gesture that’s spoken louder than words—found himself briefly detained in the US last week. Known for his hilarious, no-nonsense takes on overly complicated life hacks, Khaby’s silent comedy has racked up over 162 million followers who swear by his universal language of simplicity. But despite his global charm, it seems overstaying a visa isn’t a joke that plays well everywhere. After entering the US in late April, Khaby was detained by ICE in June for visa overstay, though he was swiftly granted voluntary departure. Still, the man who turned a shrug into an empire appears to be back to business as usual, continuing to brighten feeds worldwide. Curious how this silent star handles life’s curveballs? LEARN MORE.

The world’s most followed TikToker with the world’s most famous shrug was detained in the US last week.

Italian influencer Khaby Lame is known for sharing TikTok videos that poke fun at overly complicated ‘life hacks.’

His signature shrug and hand gesture, with his palms facing upwards, doesn’t really need a translation, and with a TikTok following of over 162 million, it suggests that people from all walks of life can relate to his videos.

Although, it seems the Italian national was faced with a bit of an issue after entering the US on 30 April.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson told the Daily Mail in a statement that Lame – whose full name is Seringe Khabane Lame – was detained on 6 June.

TikToker Khaby Lame was detained by the ICE last week (Regis Hirwa/NBAE via Getty Images)

“US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Seringe Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, 6 June, at the Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas, Nevada for immigration violations,” the spokesperson said.

“Lame entered the United States 30 April and overstayed the terms of his visa.”

ICE, however, suggested that he wasn’t detained for long and was ‘granted voluntary departure 6 June and has since departed the US.’

Lame shared a post on TikTok the day after, but hasn’t spoke publicly about the incident.

But based on the fact he’s still posting content, it seems like it’s business as usual for Lame, who lost his factory job in Italy during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Lame is the most followed person on TikTok (Arturo Holmes/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

“I started during the pandemic when I lost my job. I started to make happy videos on social media, but was never thinking that they were gonna grow like this, you know?” he told Today in 2024.

“I was just making videos to make people happy.”

Explaining why people love his videos, the TikToker added: “I think people like my videos for the expression, for the simplicity there, because it’s a simple video.

“And then the effect that I don’t talk is a universal language. All the people can understand and be part of the comedy without having words. They just have to watch the video and enjoy it.”

With all the success that has come, Lame insisted that he ‘would never have imagined to be in the place that I am now.’

In 2022, he was included on both Fortune’s ’40 Under 40′ and Forbes’ ’30 Under 30′ lists. The following year, he joined the judging panel for the 2023 season of Italia’s Got Talent.

“I’m very glad and thankful. I thank God to have all the things I have right now and I keep trying to be better,” he said.

LADbible Group has contacted Khaby Lame’s representatives for comment.