A Mexican citizen who authorities say entered the United States illegally in 2021 has been sentenced to two decades in prison for the killing of Nashville restaurant owner Matt Carney. Following his prison term, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, requesting custody for removal proceedings.
The incident occurred on June 19, 2024, in the parking lot of Smokin’ Thighs, a Nashville restaurant. Investigators allege Raigoza-Martinez attempted to steal tools from Carney’s pickup truck. When Carney, 42, confronted the suspect, Raigoza-Martinez allegedly struck him with his vehicle while fleeing the scene.
Carney sustained critical injuries and died at a Nashville hospital on July 4, 2024. Raigoza-Martinez was arrested by police in South Nashville on July 18, 2024.
On July 22, 2026, Raigoza-Martinez pleaded guilty to murder, theft over $10,000, tampering with evidence, and theft over $2,500. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison the same day.
DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated that Raigoza-Martinez “should NEVER have been in our country to commit this heinous murder.” Bis added that federal authorities will work with state and local partners to ensure Raigoza-Martinez is handed over to ICE custody upon completing his sentence to facilitate his removal from the country. If Tennessee officials honor the ICE detainer, federal immigration authorities will take custody of Raigoza-Martinez after his prison sentence to begin deportation proceedings.