Paul Dama, the manager of Suya Joint, a renowned West African restaurant, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during an alarming encounter on June 15.
On his way to church, Dama noticed a car following him, which led him to pull over.
Soon after, multiple vans surrounded him and he was taken into custody, as recounted by his sister, Cecelia Lizotte, who is also the chef and owner of the restaurant.
Despite the distressing circumstances, Lizotte and other family members are unclear about the reason behind his detention or whether any charges are pending against him.
Dama’s immigration attorney, Abeba Attles, confirmed that he is a hardworking individual with no history of violence.
Attles emphasized that his immigration paperwork is up to date and compliant, noting that he had a DUI charge from a year ago, which he fulfilled all requirements for, including community service and other mandated programs.
ICE officials, however, stated that Dama was arrested due to his undocumented status, having overstayed his visitor visa that expired in 2019, and for having two DUI convictions.
An unfortunate backstory surrounds Dama’s arrival in the United States; he was previously kidnapped and tortured by the militant group Boko Haram in Nigeria.
After a ransom was paid, he fled to the U.S. in 2019 to join Lizotte, who had already established herself as a U.S. citizen over the previous two decades.
In addition to managing the restaurant, Dama also works as a personal care attendant for elderly adults with disabilities.
His asylum application is currently pending, and he is married to a U.S. citizen, initiating the green card application process.
Fears of retribution loom over him should he be forced to return to Nigeria.
His first hearing is scheduled for June 26, with a bail hearing to follow on July 3, and a fundraising effort to cover legal fees has already raised over $13,000.
On a recent visit to the Dover jail where Dama is held, Lizotte was denied a chance to see her brother but managed to deliver his blood pressure medication.
Considering the emotional toll and substantial time commitment of handling his case, she is contemplating closing both restaurant locations temporarily.
“It’s just like I can’t do it,” she expressed, overwhelmed with emotion.
Dama plays a significant role in the success of Suya Joint, contributing both locally in Roxbury and at the restaurant’s newer location in Providence, Rhode Island.
His welcoming demeanor is cherished, especially by the Nigerian community, as he brings warmth and familiarity to the restaurant, enabling customers to feel at home.
Vanessa Lizotte, another family member, fondly described Dama as a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ who seamlessly manages a variety of responsibilities.
She noted that his ability to mediate conflicts with customers often diffuses tense situations effectively.
Established in 2011 in Roslindale and relocated to Roxbury in 2016, Suya Joint has earned accolades, including being a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award last year.
The restaurant is celebrated for its authentic West African cuisine, notably dishes like Jollof rice and Ofada Ayamase.
With the uncertainty surrounding Dama’s legal status, the fate of Suya Joint hangs in the balance as family members rally support during this challenging time.
image source from：wgbh
