US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer against a Mexican national convicted of killing a Nashville restaurant owner, seeking custody of him once he completes his prison sentence so he can face removal proceedings.
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According to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Ulises Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty on July 22 to murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence and theft over $2,500. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
According to The New York Post, the case stems from an incident on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the Nashville restaurant Smokin' Thighs.
Authorities said Raigoza-Martinez allegedly stopped to steal tools from a pickup truck belonging to restaurant owner Matt Carney, 42.
When Carney confronted him, Raigoza-Martinez allegedly drove away, striking him with his vehicle. Carney landed on the hood before being thrown onto the pavement when the vehicle turned. He suffered critical injuries and died in hospital on July 4, 2024.
Police arrested Raigoza-Martinez in South Nashville on July 18, 2024.
ICE lodges detainer
Following his conviction, ICE requested that Tennessee authorities notify the agency before Raigoza-Martinez is released from prison so federal officials can take him into custody.
If the detainer is honoured, ICE will assume custody after he completes his sentence and begin deportation proceedings.
DHS links case to illegal entry
DHS said Raigoza-Martinez is a Mexican citizen who allegedly entered the United States illegally through Texas in 2021 during the Biden administration.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the convicted man "should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder."
"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 said.
