Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 10, 2025 · Entertainment

TikTok Star Khaby Lame Makes a Grand Return After Deportation Drama!

Khaby Lame has reemerged online after a whirlwind saga that saw him kicked out of United States under President Donald Trump 's newly intensified deportation drive

TikTok Sensation Khaby Lame Reemerges After High-Profile Deportation Drama

The drama-filled world of social media just got a whole lot juicier, folks! Khaby Lame, the beloved TikTok star with an astonishing 162.2 million followers, has made his grand return to Italy after being deported from the United States under President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown.

Just days ago, whispers of Lame's deportation sent shockwaves through the internet, leaving fans and fellow celebrities alike in a state of utter confusion. But now, the usually stoic Italian-Senegalese sensation has broken his silence, or rather, broken into a smile alongside none other than Brazilian soccer star Emerson Royal.

Another frame showed him smiling alongside Brazilian soccer star Emerson Royal, who plays for AC Milan and the Brazilian national team

In a series of Instagram Stories, Lame was spotted strolling down a picturesque leafy street in Italy, exuding an air of calm and confidence that's hard to ignore. The images are a far cry from the anxious scenes at Harry Reid International Airport on June 6, where Lame was detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) for allegedly overstaying his visa.

The Scandal Unfolds

Lame's deportation has sparked an intense debate about the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration. Critics have accused the president of prioritizing politics over people, leaving thousands caught in a web of bureaucratic red tape. But what's truly baffling is why ICE would target someone as beloved and influential as Lame.

Khabe Lame appeared to be looking back on his time in the US after he an image of Venice Beach in California along with the tune 'Keep Ya Head Up' by 2Pac

Born in Senegal but raised in public housing near Turin, Italy, Lame rose to fame during the pandemic after losing his job as a factory worker. He began posting witty, wordless TikTok reactions that mocked overcomplicated 'life hack' videos with a signature shrug. By 2022, he had surpassed Charli D'Amelio as the most-followed person on TikTok.

The Met Gala Sensation

Just last month, Lame rubbed shoulders with A-listers like Rihanna and Diana Ross at the prestigious Met Gala in New York. His bespoke gray zoot suit landed him on multiple best-dressed lists, cementing his status as a fashion icon. Brands came calling, and he became a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

Last month he attended the prestigious Met Gala in New York, rubbing shoulders with Rihanna, Diana Ross, and fashion elite

But what really has tongues wagging is Lame's background. As an immigrant who grew up in public housing near Turin, Italy, he had to navigate complex bureaucratic systems just to gain citizenship. And now, with the world watching, it seems his immigration status may have been the real reason behind his deportation.

The ICE Debacle

ICE claims that Lame overstayed his visa after entering the country on April 30. However, many are questioning why a man with such an enormous following and influential brand deals would be treated like a national security threat. Was this a case of mistaken identity or a high-profile example of Trump's immigration crackdown gone wrong?

Conservative influencer Bo Loudon claimed to have reported Lame's detention on June 6 and posted an alleged screenshot from the ICE website stating he was at Henderson Detention Center in Nevada (Lame's name does no longer appears in the ICE detainee database)

In recent months, there have been numerous reports of ICE targeting public figures, including Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who claimed to have been detained at Chicago's O'Hare Airport and interrogated about his views on politics.

A Star Reborn?

As Lame readjusts to life in Italy, fans are eagerly awaiting his next move. Will he return to the United States? Will he continue to use his platform to advocate for immigrant rights? One thing is certain – Khaby Lame has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, and his deportation drama will undoubtedly cement his status as one of the most fascinating figures in social media.

Lame is seen at the Met Gala last month in New York City. He  built his empire on facial expressions rather than flashy speeches

For now, Lame's Instagram Stories remain tantalizingly quiet on the matter. The 25-year-old's signature shrug has become a meme-worthy symbol of his stoicism, but this time, it's not just about reacting to life hacks – it's about taking control of one's own story.

Lame served as assistant coach during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Oakland back in February

Lame is seen walking the runway at Milan Fashion Week in 2022, the year Italy formally granted him citizenship after a national outcry over the delay