Khaby Lame, a 25-year-old TikTok sensation, was apprehended by U.S. immigration agents for visa violations, a consequence of President Trump's intensified immigration policies. This event highlights new tensions in the influencer landscape, as fellow Gen Z activist Bo Loudon claims responsibility for Lame's deportation.
Khaby Lame Deported Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Khaby Lame Deported Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
The world's most popular TikToker, Khaby Lame, is forced to return to Italy after being detained for overstaying his visa during Trump’s immigration enforcement.
June 10, 2025, marked a significant development in President Trump's immigration strategy as Khaby Lame, the TikTok star with over 160 million followers, faced deportation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Lame at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa. The influencer, originally from Senegal but raised in Italy, left the United States after being granted voluntary departure.
Bo Loudon, a teenage pro-Trump influencer, publicly took credit for Lame’s removal, claiming he uncovered the TikToker's visa issues. Loudon asserted that he used his connections within the Trump administration to facilitate the swift action against Lame, whom he labeled a “far left influencer,” despite any clear political statements from the TikTok star.
Lame’s rise to fame came from his uniquely simplistic reaction videos that dissected complicated life hacks. Throughout his time in the U.S., he garnered brand partnerships, made appearances in film and television, and increased his following substantially. However, confusion about his visa status led to his apprehension as immigration enforcement agency practices intensified under Trump's leadership.
While Loudon declined interviews with major media outlets, he indicated in a conversation with online streamer Dylan Page that friends within his circle alerted him to Lame’s immigration status. Lame has refrained from publicly addressing the incident but continues to engage with followers on social media platforms. On Monday, he posted an Instagram story from San Paulo, Brazil, signaling his ongoing presence in the digital landscape despite the upheaval surrounding his immigration status.
Bo Loudon, a teenage pro-Trump influencer, publicly took credit for Lame’s removal, claiming he uncovered the TikToker's visa issues. Loudon asserted that he used his connections within the Trump administration to facilitate the swift action against Lame, whom he labeled a “far left influencer,” despite any clear political statements from the TikTok star.
Lame’s rise to fame came from his uniquely simplistic reaction videos that dissected complicated life hacks. Throughout his time in the U.S., he garnered brand partnerships, made appearances in film and television, and increased his following substantially. However, confusion about his visa status led to his apprehension as immigration enforcement agency practices intensified under Trump's leadership.
While Loudon declined interviews with major media outlets, he indicated in a conversation with online streamer Dylan Page that friends within his circle alerted him to Lame’s immigration status. Lame has refrained from publicly addressing the incident but continues to engage with followers on social media platforms. On Monday, he posted an Instagram story from San Paulo, Brazil, signaling his ongoing presence in the digital landscape despite the upheaval surrounding his immigration status.
