An illegal immigrant from Mexico, Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, who authorities say entered the U.S. in 2021 and subsequently killed Nashville restaurant owner Matt Carney, is now facing deportation after being sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer against Raigoza-Martinez, requesting notification from Tennessee officials before his release so federal authorities can take him into custody for removal proceedings. The fatal encounter occurred in June 2024 when Raigoza-Martinez allegedly attempted to steal tools from Carney’s pickup truck outside the Smokin’ Thighs restaurant. When Carney confronted him, Raigoza-Martinez sped away, striking and critically injuring Carney, who later died. After his arrest in July 2024, Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty to murder, theft, and tampering with evidence in July 2026, receiving a two-decade prison sentence. A DHS Assistant Secretary stated that Raigoza-Martinez “should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder” and pledged cooperation with state and local partners to ensure his handover to ICE custody for deportation upon completion of his sentence.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
