US ICE Orders Departure After Visa Expiry Arrest
Agency Refutes, Calling Claims "Groundless"
Khabane Lame (25), the influencer with the most TikTok followers in the world and widely known in Korea as the so-called "Hansimjwa," has been ordered to leave the United States amid the aftermath of the "Trump crackdown order."
According to the Associated Press and other outlets on June 11 (local time), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that Lame was arrested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on June 6 for overstaying his visa. He was released the same day and left the U.S. voluntarily.
Unlike forced deportation, voluntary departure may not restrict future re-entry into the United States.
Lame, a Senegalese-Italian, entered the U.S. on April 30. Although his detailed schedule is not known, it has been confirmed that he attended the Met Gala, a fashion event held in New York last month.
Lame is a popular influencer with 162 million TikTok followers. He gained popularity among young people by posting humorous videos on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic. His videos typically show viral "challenge" clips circulating on social media, followed by him demonstrating how to accomplish the same task easily and simply, highlighting the contrast.
Lame's agency responded to the ICE announcement by stating that it is "groundless." Lame has not made any comments regarding the ICE departure order.
This situation arose as the Donald Trump administration has recently focused on cracking down on illegal immigration. Meanwhile, Bo Rudin, an 18-year-old influencer who has identified himself as a supporter of President Trump, claims, "I reported Lame after learning that he was an illegal resident."
Meanwhile, under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, Italian citizens can visit the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.
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