News Summary
Paul Naanman Dama, the manager of Suya Joint in Brockton, was detained by ICE amid immigration issues. His family and restaurant face emotional and financial hardships as they rally community support for his legal battle. Dama’s past DUI convictions complicate his pending asylum application, invoking discussions about immigration policies.
Brockton, Massachusetts – Paul Naanman Dama, the manager of the popular restaurant Suya Joint, was detained by federal immigration agents on June 15 while en route to church. The 46-year-old Nigerian national is currently held at the Strafford County Jail in New Hampshire amid ongoing immigration issues.
Dama entered the United States legally on May 2, 2019, with a B-2 visitor visa that expired just over three months later on August 22, 2019. Since then, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has classified Dama as an “illegally present Nigerian alien.” He has remained in the U.S. unlawfully since his visa expiration despite his pending asylum application. Dama’s history includes two DUI convictions from late 2024, which add to the complications of his immigration case.
Following his detention, Suya Joint has faced significant emotional and financial challenges. The restaurant’s owner, Cecelia Lizotte, who is also Dama’s sister, described her brother as a dedicated and hardworking individual who has served as an important support for their family. In response to the situation, Suya Joint has committed to donating 20% of sales from a particular menu item to help cover Dama’s legal expenses. Additionally, a GoFundMe page created for Dama has raised nearly $20,000 since his arrest, indicating strong community support.
The emotional toll on Dama’s family and the staff at Suya Joint has been profound, with many expressing feelings of trauma and distress due to the sudden separation. Dama had his first immigration hearing shortly after his detention, and his attorney indicated that he would need to reapply for asylum before his next court date on July 3.
Massachusetts State Representative Liz Miranda is actively pursuing information regarding Dama’s immigration status. She claims that Dama is a lawful resident with a pending asylum case and has requested accountability from ICE. Miranda is advocating for Dama’s due process, emphasizing the need for humane treatment during these challenging circumstances.
Suya Joint, which opened its first location in Roslindale, Boston in 2012, has become a significant establishment for celebrating Nigerian culture and cuisine. It has since relocated to a larger space in Roxbury and is known for its diverse menu, featuring traditional dishes such as suya wings, stews, and fufu. Lizotte aims to expand her venture with a second Suya Joint in downtown Providence, further promoting Nigerian culinary heritage.
As the situation unfolds, the community and Dama’s family continue to call for understanding and assistance, hoping for a resolution that will allow him to return home safely. The circumstances surrounding Dama’s detention highlight ongoing discussions about immigration policies and the experiences of individuals seeking asylum in the United States.
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Additional Resources
- RIMonthly: Dining Review Suya Joint in Providence
- Boston Globe: New Providence RI Restaurant Nigerian West African Suya Joint
- WPRI: Forced Apart Family Run Providence Restaurant Shaken by Manager’s ICE Arrest
- MassLive: Renowned Boston Restaurant Considers Closing After Manager is Detained by ICE
- Providence Journal: Suya Joint – New in RI
- Wikipedia: Immigration to the United States
- Google Search: Suya Joint
- Google Scholar: Immigration Policies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Asylum Law
- Google News: Suya Joint Immigration
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
