Federal authorities are moving to deport a Mexican citizen who killed a Nashville restaurant owner after he completes a 20-year prison sentence.
Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, who entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2021, was sentenced Tuesday for the 2024 slaying of restaurateur Matt Carney.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials confirmed they have lodged an immigration detainer against the convict, requesting Tennessee officials notify the agency prior to his release.
The criminal case began on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the Smokin’ Thighs restaurant, where investigators said Raigoza-Martinez was attempting to steal tools from Carney’s pickup truck.
When the 42-year-old business owner walked outside to confront the thief, Raigoza-Martinez sped away and struck him with his vehicle.
Authorities said Carney landed on the hood of the car before being thrown to the pavement as the vehicle turned away.
Carney suffered critical injuries during the encounter and died at a Nashville hospital on July 4, 2024.
Police arrested Raigoza-Martinez in South Nashville two weeks later on July 18, 2024.
The legal proceedings concluded on July 22, 2026, when Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty to charges of murder, tampering with evidence, and theft.
Department of Homeland Security officials expressed frustration over the circumstances that allowed the man to be in the country.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis spoke about the severity of the incident and the status of the offender.
“He should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder,” Bis said regarding the suspect’s illegal entry.
The official further detailed the coordination between federal and state authorities to ensure the prisoner does not remain in the United States.
“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,” Bis added according to Fox News.
If local officials honor the federal request, Raigoza-Martinez will be placed into immediate removal proceedings upon the conclusion of his two-decade term.
The case has drawn significant attention to immigration enforcement policies during the period Raigoza-Martinez entered the country through Texas.
The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the sentencing is just one step in ensuring accountability for the loss of life.
Nashville community members have mourned Carney, a well-known local business owner, since the fatal incident occurred nearly two years ago.
Federal immigration authorities noted that the detainer is a standard procedure for non-citizens convicted of serious crimes.
The deportation process is expected to move forward regardless of any potential appeals in the state criminal case.
Raigoza-Martinez was convicted of theft over $10,000 and theft over $2,500 in addition to the murder charge.
The suspect entered the country during the Biden administration, a point emphasized by federal immigration critics.
Matt Carney’s death followed weeks of medical treatment for the critical injuries sustained during the parking lot confrontation.
The 20-year sentence represents the final legal resolution for the charges brought by Tennessee prosecutors.
Once the state penal system releases Raigoza-Martinez, federal agents will take custody for the final removal from the United States.
The transition from state prison to federal custody is designed to prevent convicted criminals from being released back into the public.
Tennessee officials are expected to comply with the federal detainer as part of their ongoing partnership with ICE.
The case continues to be a focal point for debates regarding border security and the impact of illegal immigration on local communities.