ICE has lodged an immigration detainer for Ulises Raigoza‑Martinez, who authorities say entered the U.S. illegally in 2021 and later killed Nashville restaurateur Matt Carney. The fatal encounter occurred on June 19, 2024, after investigators allege Raigoza‑Martinez attempted to steal tools from Carney's truck; Carney died on July 4, 2024. Raigoza‑Martinez was arrested on July 18, 2024, pleaded guilty on July 22, 2026, and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. DHS says it will work with Tennessee to assume custody after his sentence and pursue removal proceedings.
ICE Lodges Detainer for Convicted Suspect in Nashville Restaurateur's Death; Deportation Sought After 20-Year Sentence
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer seeking custody of Ulises Raigoza‑Martinez, a Mexican national whom authorities say entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2021 and later killed Nashville restaurateur Matt Carney.
The fatal incident occurred on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the Nashville restaurant Smokin' Thighs. Investigators allege Raigoza‑Martinez stopped to steal tools from Carney's pickup truck. When Carney, 42, went outside to confront the alleged thief, prosecutors say Raigoza‑Martinez accelerated, striking Carney with the vehicle. Carney landed on the hood and was thrown to the pavement; he suffered critical injuries and died at a Nashville hospital on July 4, 2024.
Police arrested Raigoza‑Martinez in South Nashville on July 18, 2024. On July 22, 2026, he pleaded guilty to murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence and theft over $2,500. A judge sentenced him to a 20‑year prison term.
FILE - ICE is seeking custody of the suspect after he serves his prison sentence for the killing.
ICE Action and Next Steps
Following the sentencing, ICE lodged a detainer requesting that Tennessee officials notify federal authorities before Raigoza‑Martinez's release so ICE can assume custody and initiate removal proceedings. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it is coordinating with state and local partners to ensure the transfer is effected at the conclusion of the criminal sentence.
"He should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder," DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said, adding that DHS will work with Tennessee authorities to have Raigoza‑Martinez handed over to ICE custody once his sentence is complete so he can be removed from the United States.
What This Means
If Tennessee officials honor the ICE detainer, federal immigration authorities will take custody of Raigoza‑Martinez after he completes his prison term and place him into removal proceedings with the goal of deportation. ICE and DHS officials say they are coordinating with Tennessee authorities to effect the transfer at the conclusion of the prison sentence.
Note: The account above reflects charges, a guilty plea and a sentence handed down in July 2026 and statements from federal authorities about ongoing coordination for post‑sentence custody and removal proceedings.
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