Suya Joint, a beloved West African dining establishment in Boston’s Roxbury district is contemplating permanent closure after immigration authorities apprehended its operations manager, Paul Dama, age 46.
According to a family-organized GoFundMe fundraiser, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers took Dama into custody on Father’s Day as he traveled to attend church services.
MassLive reports that he remains incarcerated at New Hampshire’s Strafford County detention facility, which maintains agreements with ICE to house immigration detainees.
The establishment’s online presence indicates that Dama’s relatives have received no adequate justification for his apprehension. When MassLive contacted ICE seeking clarification, the federal agency failed to provide any response.
Vanessa Lizotte, who identifies herself as Dama’s family member, expressed the family distress through the crowdfunding platform: “This abrupt and devastating incident has devastated our family completely, leaving us grappling with both psychological trauma and juridical obstacles related to his imprisonment.”
Dama relocated to America in 2019 to reunite with his sibling, Chef Cecelia Lizotte, and subsequently assumed managerial responsibilities across Suya Joint’s locations in both Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, according to Boston Globe.
Chef Cecelia Lizotte, a Nigerian native, established the original Suya Joint in 2012, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s culinary enterprise in Nigeria.
The restaurant has evolved into a neighborhood institution, moving to its current Roxbury address in 2016 before opening a second location in Providence during 2023.
Lizotte earned recognition as a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Chef in the Northeast region last year, while Boston Magazine recently honored Suya Joint as Roxbury’s premier neighborhood dining destination, The Globe documented.
Through the GoFundMe, Vanessa Lizotte emphasized Dama’s significance to the business, stating per MassLive: “Paul represents an essential component of our restaurant operations, contributing his services across both our Boston and Providence establishments whenever required. His dedication to excellence, composed demeanor, and ethical principles fundamentally shape our workplace environment.”
Family members confirm that Dama possesses valid employment authorization and maintains an active asylum application.
During his initial judicial proceeding on Thursday, legal counsel recommended he submit a new asylum petition prior to his subsequent court date on July 3, as MassLive documented.
While the Lizotte family hasn’t reached a definitive conclusion, they indicate the restaurant might temporarily cease operations.
“This forced separation is devastating to our household and neighborhood community,” states a notice on Suya Joint’s official website. “Operating as a closely connected team and family enterprise, we have consistently supported one another through difficulties. However, this enforced division is causing tremendous damage.”
In addition to his restaurant duties, Dama maintained employment at a nearby residential care facility, where he assisted five individuals with developmental challenges, The Globe reported.
Catherine Conrade, his workplace supervisor, provided testimony for the campaign, stating: “Paul demonstrates complete respect and honor toward the individuals under his care. He provides patience and compassion while helping with personal needs and routine tasks, ensuring these men participate in social and leisure activities of their choosing.”
According to brother-in-law Jeffery Lizotte, Dama completed higher education, speaks English proficiently, and participates actively in his local Catholic parish.
“He commits himself daily to creating improved circumstances for his future and serves as an encouraging presence for all who know him,” Lizotte noted.
