ICE Seeks Custody of Illegal Immigrant After Murder Conviction

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is pursuing custody of a Mexican citizen accused of entering the United States illegally in 2021 through Texas. Authorities claim he killed a Nashville restaurant owner. Recently, he was sentenced to several decades in prison after pleading guilty to the crime.

ICE has filed an immigration detainer against Ulises Raigoza-Martinez. This ensures Tennessee officials inform ICE before his release. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated that federal authorities aim to take custody for future deportation proceedings.

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The incident dates back to June 19, 2024, in a parking area of the Nashville restaurant Smokin’ Thighs. Raigoza-Martinez allegedly attempted to steal tools from the vehicle of the owner, Matt Carney. Carney, 42, confronted him, which resulted in Raigoza-Martinez using his vehicle to speed away and hitting Carney.

Carney was left with severe injuries and died at a Nashville hospital on July 4, 2024. Raigoza-Martinez was apprehended in South Nashville on July 18, 2024. Two years later, on July 22, 2026, he pleaded guilty to various charges, including murder and theft, and received a 20-year prison sentence.

DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis commented that Raigoza-Martinez should have never been in the country to commit such a crime. “We plan to coordinate with Tennessee state and local partners to guarantee his transfer to ICE custody post-sentence for deportation,” Bis stated.

If Tennessee complies with the ICE detainer, Raigoza-Martinez will be taken into federal immigration custody after serving his prison term. This will initiate the removal process, ultimately leading to his deportation.

Brittany Miller, a Fox News Digital reporter, and Syracuse University graduate in 2023, provided the original report.