Khaby Lame ICE arrest rumor spreads after activist post sparks online speculation
Rumors have gone viral claiming that TikTok megastar Khabane “Khaby” Lame was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Las Vegas. The speculation originated from conservative activist Bo Loudon, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Lame had been detained for allegedly overstaying a visa and evading taxes. Loudon claimed he tipped off ICE himself and included what he said was a screenshot from the ICE detainee locator showing Lame at the Henderson Detention Center.
🔥🚨BREAKING: Legendary liberal TikTok influencer Khaby Lame just got arrested and is now in ICE custody after Bo London reported the influencer.
Bo London: “I discovered he was an illegal who overstayed an invalid VISA, evaded taxes, and I personally took action to have him… pic.twitter.com/RK0bpg3oKSHowever, as of June 7, there has been no official confirmation from ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, or Lame’s representatives. Independent searches using the A-number provided by Loudon yielded no results, and Lame’s name does not appear in the ICE detainee system.
Khaby Lame, a Senegalese-born Italian national, rose to international fame during the COVID-19 pandemic for his silent TikTok videos that humorously critique overly complex life hacks. With over 162 million followers, he became the platform’s most-followed creator by 2025. His fame has expanded beyond social media: he’s been featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, walked the 2025 Met Gala red carpet, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador earlier this year.
While online speculation continues, legal experts caution against drawing conclusions from unverified information. “Even if someone appears in a detainee system, that doesn’t confirm legal wrongdoing,” said immigration attorney Julia Price. She added that Lame’s dual Italian-Senegalese citizenship could further complicate the legal picture.
The episode underscores concerns about immigration misinformation and politically charged online narratives. Despite the lack of evidence, many fans are expressing shock and support across social media. “I just want the truth,” said Zoe, a 17-year-old TikTok user from Chicago.