‘Dismantling of a dream’: Suya Joint could close as manager remains in ICE custody
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A local West African restaurant may soon be forced to shut down after its manager was detained by federal immigration officials.
Suya Joint owner Cecelia Lizotte said her older brother, Paul Naanman Dama, plays a vital role in the award-winning business, managing both the Providence and Boston locations. She described him as hardworking and calm, with strong moral compass—all defining qualities of the restaurant’s culture.
However, Dama has been in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since his June 15 arrest in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he was reportedly headed to church.
During that time, the community has poured out support, raising more than $45,000 to help cover his legal expenses, such as immigration attorney fees and court costs.
Despite what Suya Joint describes as “strong evidence,” Lizotte said a judge denied Dama’s request for bond as he seeks to reapply for asylum in the United States.
“This process has been deeply dehumanizing. Watching someone you love be detained and powerless … there are no words,” Lizotte wrote in a social media post.
She said they are pursuing “every legal option available,” including Intensive Supervision Monitoring, which would allow Dama to live in the community while his case proceeds.
If that fails, Lizotte said Suya Joint is at risk of closing.
“This is the dismantling of a dream and a community space — caused by a system that disregards the contributions of immigrants like Paul,” she continued.
Lizotte claimed that ICE’s decision to keep Dama detained does not serve the public interest, but only further inflicts harm on someone “working to rebuild his life with dignity.”
According to ICE, Dama is an “illegally present Nigerian alien” who has been unlawfully in the country since August 2019. He reportedly entered the country legally on May 2, 2019, with a B-2 visitor visa, but stayed after it expired on Aug. 22, 2019.
Dama’s asylum hearing is now scheduled for Sept. 23.
Suya Joint is continuing to ask for community support during this “critical moment” through letters, donations, prayers, and by sharing his story.
