News Summary
Paul Dama, the restaurant manager of Suya Joint in Brockton, has been granted asylum after being detained by ICE. Dama fled Nigeria to escape Boko Haram and faced lengthy legal battles. His release comes as a relief for his family and community, who have supported him throughout the ordeal. The court ruled on his asylum case recently, allowing him to work legally in the U.S. Despite previous legal challenges, Dama’s future looks hopeful, and the community is eager for his continued involvement in the local culinary scene.
Brockton, Massachusetts – Paul Dama, the restaurant manager of Suya Joint, has been granted asylum after facing detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Dama was detained on June 15, 2025, while driving to church on Father’s Day.
Dama, who emigrated from Nigeria in 2019 to escape the terrorist group Boko Haram, had his asylum case pending for several years. His sister, Cecelia Lizotte, who is also the chef and owner of Suya Joint, reported that his application for asylum had started back in 2020. Dama’s visa had expired shortly after he arrived in the U.S.
The court hearing that resulted in Dama’s asylum grant took place last week, presided over by Judge Yul-Mi Cho. Previously, Dama had been held in ICE custody at a detention center in Concord, New Hampshire. With the judge’s decision, he has received authorization to work legally in the United States.
Upon his release, Dama thanked his family, colleagues, and the community for their unwavering support throughout his detention period. Lizotte referred to the court’s decision as a “sigh of relief” and “answered prayers,” emphasizing the emotional burden felt by the family during Dama’s absence.
Critically, Dama has faced significant danger stemming from his political activism and past trauma, including being kidnapped by Boko Haram and experiencing a lack of police protection in Nigeria. His legal representation highlighted that he was at risk not only from the militant group but also from the Nigerian government due to his opposition to corruption.
Dama’s legal struggles come against a backdrop of two previous charges related to operating a vehicle under the influence, for which he has shown commendable efforts at rehabilitation. ICE retains the right to appeal the judge’s ruling on Dama’s asylum case, with a potential deadline for appeals set for October 23, 2025.
During the time of his detention, Lizotte expressed feelings of being overwhelmed and acknowledged the operational challenges faced by Suya Joint, which she initially opened in Roslindale in 2012. The restaurant, known for its unique offerings and strong community ties, has expanded to a second location in Providence and has gained recognition, including being a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award.
As Dama now begins the next chapter of his life in the United States with legal work authorization, the community has rallied behind him, raising over $50,000 in a fundraiser dedicated to his legal fees. The support highlights the collective effort to aid individuals facing immigration challenges and underscores the human element in immigration debates.
With Dama’s asylum status established, he and his family can now focus on their future, and the community can look forward to his continued involvement at Suya Joint, contributing to the local culinary landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Detention of Suya Joint Manager Raises Community Concerns
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Asylum in the United States
- Boston.com
- Google Search: Paul Dama
- WCVB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Turn to 10 News
- Google News: Suya Joint Restaurant
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.
