U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working to gain custody of Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, a Mexican citizen accused of illegally entering the United States in 2021. According to authorities, Raigoza-Martinez committed a murder in Nashville. He recently pleaded guilty and received a lengthy prison sentence.
The incident began on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of Smokin’ Thighs restaurant. Raigoza-Martinez reportedly attempted to steal tools from owner Matt Carney’s truck. When Carney, aged 42, confronted him, Raigoza-Martinez drove off, striking Carney with his vehicle. Carney was critically injured and passed away on July 4, 2024, at a Nashville hospital.
Authorities apprehended Raigoza-Martinez on July 18, 2024, in South Nashville. Two years later, on July 22, 2026, he confessed to charges including murder and theft, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence.
Lauren Bis, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), stated that Raigoza-Martinez “should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder.” She emphasized the importance of state and local cooperation to ensure his handover to ICE for deportation after his sentence.
ICE has lodged an immigration detainer with Tennessee officials. They are requesting notification before Raigoza-Martinez’s release so he can be taken into ICE custody for removal proceedings. If Tennessee honors this request, ICE can proceed with deportation efforts.
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