In a tumultuous development, Khaby Lame, the globe's leading TikTok influencer, was forcibly removed from the United States following President Trump's stringent immigration enforcement, a stark reminder of the growing relationship between social media prominence and governmental scrutiny.
Khaby Lame Deported Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Khaby Lame Deported Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
Influencer Khaby Lame, popular TikTok star, leaves the U.S. under intensified policies as Gen Z politics intersect with social media dynamics.
June 10, 2025, 12:03 p.m. ET — Amid President Trump’s ongoing immigration policies, TikTok sensation Khaby Lame, aged 25, found himself at the heart of a political controversy when U.S. immigration agents detained him in Las Vegas and subsequently deported him. Lame, an Italian-Senegalese content creator renowned for his humorous and straightforward video responses to complex life hacks, was apprehended at Harry Reid International Airport as part of a broader campaign against visa overstayers.
With over 160 million followers, Lame had become a cultural phenomenon, earning partnerships with high-profile brands and even starring in a streaming series titled “Khaby Is Coming To America.” A prominent supporter of the Trump administration, teen influencer Bo Loudon, took credit for Lame's removal, alleging he uncovered Lame's visa issues and contacted influential figures within the government to expedite the deportation process.
“Once I found out he was illegal, I took action,” Loudon claimed in an exclusive interview, reinforcing the contentious nature of today's youth-driven political activism. His assertions also suggested that Lame harbored left-leaning sentiments, although there has been no definitive evidence of Lame making overt political statements.
Despite his legal travails, Lame has continued to engage with fans, posting updates from Brazil shortly after his departure. His former legal representative indicated Lame had spent considerable time in the U.S. but lacked clarity regarding his visa status. The incident reflects an ongoing spike in enforcement measures since Trump took office, intertwining the realms of social media stardom and political maneuvering in the modern age.
Emma Bubola reports.
With over 160 million followers, Lame had become a cultural phenomenon, earning partnerships with high-profile brands and even starring in a streaming series titled “Khaby Is Coming To America.” A prominent supporter of the Trump administration, teen influencer Bo Loudon, took credit for Lame's removal, alleging he uncovered Lame's visa issues and contacted influential figures within the government to expedite the deportation process.
“Once I found out he was illegal, I took action,” Loudon claimed in an exclusive interview, reinforcing the contentious nature of today's youth-driven political activism. His assertions also suggested that Lame harbored left-leaning sentiments, although there has been no definitive evidence of Lame making overt political statements.
Despite his legal travails, Lame has continued to engage with fans, posting updates from Brazil shortly after his departure. His former legal representative indicated Lame had spent considerable time in the U.S. but lacked clarity regarding his visa status. The incident reflects an ongoing spike in enforcement measures since Trump took office, intertwining the realms of social media stardom and political maneuvering in the modern age.
Emma Bubola reports.
