Khaby Lame poses at the Met Gala on May 5 in New York before ICE detainment and departure. (Getty Images/Met Museum/Vogue)
LOS ANGELES — TikTok sensation Khaby Lame, the platform’s most-followed creator, has reportedly fled the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities over the weekend.
ICE Detainment of Khaby Lame Sparks Public Reaction
The news has triggered widespread response across social media, especially as immigration protests intensify in cities like Los Angeles, where National Guard troops were deployed to manage escalating demonstrations.
Legal experts and officials continue to debate the constitutionality of Trump’s decision to activate Title 10, a federal statute allowing military mobilization under claims of national threat or rebellion.
Meanwhile, Khaby Lame‘s massive global audience is left wondering about his next steps. Though speculated to be in Brazil, no official confirmation has been provided by his representatives.
Khaby Lame Remains Top Earner Despite Detainment
Despite his sudden departure, Khaby Lame remains among the world’s highest-earning content creators. In 2024, Forbes ranked him tenth on its Top Creators list, estimating his earnings at $20 million.
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His brand partnerships span global companies including Fortnite, Walmart, and Sony Pictures. He was also featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list in 2022 under Arts and Culture.
As of now, his future collaborations, visa status, and potential return to the U.S. remain uncertain.
