Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, a Mexican citizen who entered the US illegally, will face ICE deportation after serving his prison sentence for killing a Nashville restaurant owner. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty to murder and other charges on July 22, 2026.
ICE Detainer and Deportation Proceedings
Following his guilty plea, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Raigoza-Martinez, requesting that Tennessee officials notify the agency before his release. The detainer will allow federal authorities to take Raigoza-Martinez into custody for removal proceedings, according to the DHS. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his crimes.
The case began on June 19, 2024, when Raigoza-Martinez allegedly attempted to steal tools from restaurant owner Matt Carney's pickup truck in the parking lot of Smokin' Thighs in Nashville. Carney, 42, confronted Raigoza-Martinez, who then sped away, striking and killing the restaurateur.
Background and Investigation
Police arrested Raigoza-Martinez in South Nashville on July 18, 2024. He was charged with murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence, and theft over $2,500. According to the DHS, Raigoza-Martinez entered the US illegally through Texas in 2021 under the Biden administration.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that Raigoza-Martinez "should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder." She added, "We will work with our state and local partners in Tennessee to ensure that he is handed over to ICE custody once his sentence is complete, so that we can remove him from our country."
Next Steps and Implications
If Tennessee officials honor the ICE detainer, federal immigration authorities will take custody of Raigoza-Martinez after he completes his prison sentence. He will then be placed into removal proceedings and deported. The case highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration and law enforcement cooperation.
Readers can expect further developments in the case as Raigoza-Martinez serves his prison sentence and faces deportation proceedings. The outcome of this case may have implications for immigration policies and procedures in the US.
