Boston Restaurant Owner Struggles After Brother Detained by ICE

As Trump administration ramps up deportations, businesses face challenges when key employees disappear.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Cecelia Lizotte, owner of the celebrated Nigerian restaurant Suya Joint in Boston, is struggling to operate her business after her brother, a key employee, was detained by ICE last year. Lizotte's experience highlights the human impact of the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts, which have left many families and businesses disrupted.

Why it matters

The story illustrates the broader challenges faced by businesses and communities when immigration enforcement actions target key employees, disrupting operations and separating families. As the Trump administration aims to deport millions, these stories shed light on the human toll of such policies.

The details

Lizotte's brother, who worked at her restaurant, was detained by ICE last year. Without her brother, Lizotte says she is "not able to operate the establishment, basically." The report also features stories from the LA Taco reporter Memo Torres, who says immigration raids continue across Los Angeles almost daily, even though the national spotlight has moved on.

  • Lizotte's brother was detained by ICE last year.
  • Lizotte was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2024.

The players

Cecelia Lizotte

Owner of the celebrated Nigerian restaurant Suya Joint in Boston, who was nominated for a James Beard Award in 2024.

Memo Torres

Reporter for LA Taco who says immigration raids continue across Los Angeles almost daily.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not able to operate the establishment, basically. It's just, it's crazy.”

— Cecelia Lizotte, Restaurant Owner (Reveal)

What’s next

The report does not mention any definite future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

This story highlights the broader human impact of the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts, which are disrupting businesses and separating families across the country, even as the national spotlight has moved on from these issues.