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On June 6, 2025, posts began circulating online claiming that TikTok star Khabane "Khaby" Lame, famous for his silent, satiric reactions to viral life hacks, had been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Certain pages online have posted alleged screenshots from the agency's website, noting the detention of "Serigne Khabane Lame," with "Senegal" listed as his birthplace.
An X post by user @Bruce_LeVell claims Lame was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The post includes an image, seemingly from this agency's website, suggesting that it has "officially arrested far-left TikToker, Khaby Lame." The validity of such posts may be questioned because neither he nor the ICE has issued a formal statement regarding the arrest.
As of this writing, Lame holds about 162.5 million followers on TikTok, which is largely due to his relatable and universally understandable content. Beyond his internet content, the 25-year-old has collaborated with major brands, participated on the judging panel for "Italia's Got Talent," and was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
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Disclaimer: This article contains speculative and unverified information and should not be taken as fact.
Looking into Khaby Lame's alleged arrest
Analysis in the Community Notes feature of X states the allegations of his arrest ('invalid visa' and 'tax evasion') are likely based on false narratives. For starters, reports from the likes of The Independent indicate Lame received Italian citizenship back in 2022.
According to the British newspaper, Carlo Sibilia, Undersecretary of State of the Ministry of the Interior of Italy, congratulated the TikToker when he was granted citizenship:
"Dear @KhabyLame, I wanted to let you know that the decree granting you #Italiancitizenship was issued in early June by the Interior Ministry. Soon, you will be contacted by the local office notifying you about your oath. Good luck."
Additionally, Forbes magazine lists Khaby Lame as being from Turin, Italy, rather than Senegal.
Other points within the Community Notes mention that results for "Khabane Lame" on the official ICE website turn up blank, suggesting "Serigne Khabane Lame" is a different person:
"This is fake. A search for his name (Khabane Lame) comes up blank. An A-Number search also comes up blank."
Overall, the ICE arrest assertions lack official confirmation from a credible source.
In other news, streamer LowTierGod blasts Khaby Lame for appearing at the 2025 Met Gala, mocking him as someone "popular for saying nothing."
