In a striking turn of events, Khaby Lame, the immensely popular TikToker known for his humorous life-hack videos, was detained and subsequently deported from the U.S. after overstaying his visa. The showdown highlights the intersection of social media and immigration policy under President Trump’s administration.
Khaby Lame Deported Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Khaby Lame Deported Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
The TikTok sensation faces removal as the Trump administration intensifies immigration enforcement.
On June 10, 2025, Khaby Lame, who boasts over 160 million followers, was apprehended at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This incident comes amidst a broader immigration crackdown initiated by President Trump, sparking various consequences for social media influencers.
Seizing the opportunity, Bo Loudon, a teenager and an outspoken pro-Trump activist, claimed responsibility for Lame's deportation, asserting his discovery of Lame's visa violation. Loudon's social media feed depicts him in close proximity to Trump's inner circle, and he stated he quickly mobilized his connections in the administration for Lame’s removal.
Lame, who had relocated to the U.S. frequently while maintaining his Italian residency, entered the country on April 30 but fell out of compliance with his visa conditions. According to ICE, he accepted voluntary departure and has since exited the United States. His former lawyer expressed uncertainty regarding Lame's visa status as he navigated his burgeoning career that spanned brand partnerships and a Hollywood cameo.
Despite Loudon’s claims that Lame held “far left” views, there have been no clear indications of the TikTok star’s political affiliations. While Lame has refrained from commenting on this incident directly, he has continued to share content online, including an Instagram update from Brazil shortly after his departure.
As this troubling episode unfolds, it raises questions about the implications of political activism in the social media sphere and its ability to shape real-world outcomes, particularly in the realm of immigration policy.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome.
Seizing the opportunity, Bo Loudon, a teenager and an outspoken pro-Trump activist, claimed responsibility for Lame's deportation, asserting his discovery of Lame's visa violation. Loudon's social media feed depicts him in close proximity to Trump's inner circle, and he stated he quickly mobilized his connections in the administration for Lame’s removal.
Lame, who had relocated to the U.S. frequently while maintaining his Italian residency, entered the country on April 30 but fell out of compliance with his visa conditions. According to ICE, he accepted voluntary departure and has since exited the United States. His former lawyer expressed uncertainty regarding Lame's visa status as he navigated his burgeoning career that spanned brand partnerships and a Hollywood cameo.
Despite Loudon’s claims that Lame held “far left” views, there have been no clear indications of the TikTok star’s political affiliations. While Lame has refrained from commenting on this incident directly, he has continued to share content online, including an Instagram update from Brazil shortly after his departure.
As this troubling episode unfolds, it raises questions about the implications of political activism in the social media sphere and its ability to shape real-world outcomes, particularly in the realm of immigration policy.
Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in Rome.
