ICE Seeks Custody of Mexican Citizen after Nashville Murder

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is aiming to take custody of a Mexican citizen accused of illegally entering the United States through Texas in 2021. This individual is also charged with the murder of a Nashville restaurant owner. Under the Biden administration, Ulises Raigoza-Martinez entered the U.S. and was involved in this incident.

After being sentenced to several decades in prison, ICE issued an immigration detainer against Raigoza-Martinez. They have requested Tennessee officials to inform them before his release, allowing federal authorities to initiate removal proceedings. This action stems from a June 19, 2024, event in a Nashville restaurant parking lot.

“Raigoza-Martinez tried to steal tools from Matt Carney’s vehicle,” according to investigators.

Matt Carney, the restaurant owner, died on July 4, 2024, after he was hit by a vehicle when confronting Raigoza-Martinez. He was thrown onto the pavement when Raigoza-Martinez accelerated.

Authorities captured Raigoza-Martinez in South Nashville on July 18, 2024. Two years later, on July 22, 2026, he admitted guilt to charges of murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence, and theft over $2,500. Consequently, the court sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that Raigoza-Martinez’s presence in the country should have been prevented. She emphasized the importance of cooperation with state and local authorities to ensure his transfer to ICE once his imprisonment ends.

If Tennessee authorities comply with the ICE detainer, Raigoza-Martinez will be placed in federal custody and eventually face deportation. Brittany Miller, a news writer, provided this report.