U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intends to take custody of a Mexican citizen who entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2021. The individual, Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, was involved in the death of a Nashville restaurant owner.
Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty and received a lengthy prison sentence. On Tuesday, ICE issued an immigration detainer, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The agency requested that Tennessee officials inform them prior to Raigoza-Martinez’s release so federal authorities can proceed with deportation.
The incident occurred on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of Smokin’ Thighs, a Nashville restaurant. Investigators allege Raigoza-Martinez attempted to steal from owner Matt Carney’s pickup truck.
Matt Carney, owner of Smokin’ Thighs, died on July 4, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while confronting a theft suspect, according to authorities.
Carney, aged 42, confronted Raigoza-Martinez outside the establishment. Authorities report that Raigoza-Martinez drove away, hitting Carney with his vehicle. Carney was thrown to the ground after initially landing on the hood, and he later died from his injuries in a hospital on July 4.
Police captured Raigoza-Martinez in South Nashville on July 18, 2024. Two years passed until July 22, 2026, when he admitted guilt to charges including murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence, and theft over $2,500. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis commented on the case, expressing that Raigoza-Martinez “should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder.” She assured cooperation with Tennessee officials to facilitate his handover to ICE post-sentence for deportation.
If Tennessee authorities comply with the ICE detainer, Raigoza-Martinez will enter removal proceedings after serving his sentence. This step aims at deporting him following his prison term.
Brittany Miller, the author, is a breaking news writer at Fox News Digital and a Syracuse University alumni, class of 2023.