Stand with Paul: Legal Fees for His Release

Dear Suya Joint Family,

We are writing to you today with a heavy heart to share that we are facing an incredibly difficult moment at Suya Joint and in the Lizotte family.

A husband, brother, uncle, and our beloved manager, Paul, was recently detained by ICE while on his way to church. This sudden and painful event has shaken our family to the core, and we are currently navigating both emotional and legal challenges surrounding his detention.

Because of this, we are taking time to reflect and reassess what comes next for Suya Joint. While we are not closing at this time, we are seriously considering what’s best for our team, our mission, and our family. This is not an easy decision, and we want to be transparent with you all—our loyal supporters—every step of the way.

Suya Joint has always been rooted in love, culture, and community. Every dish we serve is more than food—it’s a story, a connection, a piece of our heritage. Paul has been a vital part of the restaurant, serving in both Boston and Providence whenever and wherever he is needed. His work ethic, calm nature, and strong moral compass help define the culture of our business. Your continued support means the world to us and has carried us through many highs and lows.

This sudden separation has been incredibly traumatic for our family, and we are doing our best to hold things together without the person who has always been an anchor in our lives. Paul is a peaceful, faithful, and hardworking man who gives everything he can to those around him. His absence is deeply felt, not just by his family, but by our Suya Joint team and the communities he serves. Therefore, we are seeking these donations in hopes that they can begin to help us cover the cost of an immigration attorney, Paul’s bond, and the proceedings after Paul reapplies for his asylum visa. As of June 26th, Paul attended his first hearing in front of an immigration judge and will have his bond hearing on July 3rd. Thank you in advance for your time, compassion, and any support you can give to us in this time of need.

Sincerely,

The Lizotte and Suya Joint Family

Testimonials to Paul:

“Paul has shown an exceptional capacity to navigate the roles he plays with intelligence, warmth, and commitment. He has become the Program Director’s “right hand man”, taking leadership in Evan’s absence during a serious flood in the house that required evacuation and relocation of the men, as well as managing the major construction work necessary to repair the home.

Paul treats the men he serves with full respect and dignity. He offers patience and kindness when he needs to assist in personal care and activities of daily living, but he also engages the men around their preferences in all aspects of life and is instrumental in ensuring their participation in the social/recreational activities of their choosing.”

“Paul is not an illegal alien.  His one misdemeanor offense does not merit detainment and deportation in my view.  He is proud to be a contributing member to our society.  He is college educated, speaks and writes fluent English, and is an actively practicing Catholic.  He tries his best every day to build a better future for himself and is a positive influence to everyone he knows.  If he were to be deported it would be a devastating blow to our family and to the greater local Nigerian community as a whole.  He has done his proper due diligence in the process of trying to become a US citizen.”

”His sudden absence has left a void that cannot be overstated. It has shaken those closest to him, disrupted a family-owned business that serves as a gathering place for so many, and sent ripples of fear through a community already under heightened

scrutiny. We are living in a time where the criminalization of immigrants, particularly African immigrants, is intensifying — and where good people like Paul, who contribute positively to society, are being removed without justification.”