Ulises Raigoza-Martinez, a Mexican national who authorities say illegally entered the United States through Texas in 2021, pleaded guilty to murder and related charges in the Nashville case that killed restaurant owner Matt Carney after a confrontation over stolen tools in the Smokin’ Thighs parking lot in June 2024. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with additional convictions for theft and evidence tampering. Following his plea, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement lodged an immigration detainer, asking Tennessee officials to notify federal authorities before his release so he can be taken into removal proceedings after his prison term. DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis stated Raigoza-Martinez should never have been in the country to commit the crime and emphasized coordination with state partners to ensure removal once sentence is served. The case, which occurred under the Biden administration, has drawn heightened attention to immigration enforcement and deportation processes tied to violent offenses involving noncitizens.