Khaby Lame

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Khaby Lame, the Senegal-born TikTok sensation who rose to global fame for his silent comedic videos, has voluntarily left the United States after being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa.

The 25-year-old, who officially became an Italian citizen in 2022, was held at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for immigration violations. Lame had been in the U.S. on a temporary visa, which reportedly expired before his detention.

Lame, known by his handle @khaby.lame, boasts over 162 million followers on TikTok, making him one of the most followed creators on the platform. His signature style—wordless, expressive reactions to overly complicated life hacks—catapulted him to viral fame during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His detention comes amid intensified immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has renewed crackdowns on visa overstays and undocumented immigrants.

Sources close to Lame say he has returned to Italy and cooperates fully with authorities. Neither Lame nor his representatives have made a public statement regarding the incident.

By Maryam Ahmad

Senegalese-born TikTok star Khaby Lame, the most-followed personality on the platform, recently met with Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in Dakar. The visit focused on youth empowerment and using social media for positive change.

Lame, who was born in Senegal before relocating to Italy, expressed his commitment to giving back to his homeland. He underscored the importance of education and digital literacy, highlighting how platforms like TikTok can inspire and educate young people.

President Faye praised Lame for his global influence, noting that his journey from humble beginnings to international fame inspires African youth. The president encouraged young people to leverage digital opportunities for self-development and economic growth.

Beyond meeting with the president, Lame partnered with UNICEF during his stay in Senegal. Over four days, he engaged with children in health, education, and climate change awareness programs. His visit aimed to draw attention to the challenges faced by African youth and promote initiatives that support their growth.

Lame’s visit underscores the power of social media influencers to drive change. His collaboration with government and international organisations highlights the role digital platforms play in shaping the future of young Africans.

Many Nigerian youth are also turning to social media for career opportunities, so Lame’s story motivates content creators and entrepreneurs across the continent. His rise to fame proves that talent, creativity, and persistence can open global doors, regardless of one’s background.