An illegal immigrant from Guatemala has been accused of opening fire on a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper following a traffic stop that escalated into a dangerous chase, according to court records. On January 12, Tennessee authorities pulled over Eugenio Abraham Solis Klarks in Lenoir City for speeding and requested his identification. A source confirmed to Fox News Digital that Klarks was living in the United States illegally.
Klarks reportedly presented a Guatemalan consular ID card when stopped. As officers began issuing a citation, he allegedly fled, initiating a high-speed chase into Knox County, as stated in court documents.
“The Defendant eventually lost control of his vehicle on Watt Road. When the first trooper approached his vehicle, the Defendant exited the vehicle holding an assault rifle, raised the weapon, and aimed at the trooper,” court documents revealed.
During the exchange of gunfire, Klarks was reportedly struck, and multiple firearms were recovered from his vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle had been spotted earlier in Macon, Georgia, and Indianapolis before the incident. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration detainer on Klarks, who is currently held at the Knox County Jail.
Klarks faces charges of evading arrest, attempted first-degree murder, and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and other Republican state politicians are now considering a bill to form a “centralized immigration enforcement division.” This division would operate within the state’s Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security to combat illegal immigration and prevent incidents like the January 12 shooting.
The proposed bill is part of Governor Lee’s broader immigration agenda, which will be presented to the Tennessee legislature during a special session this week. In February 2024, Governor Lee joined Texas Governor Greg Abbott and others at a press conference along the Rio Grande, addressing border issues and Operation Lone Star.
“Last year, Gov. Lee directed key state agencies to begin preparing for federal immigration policy implementation,” Elizabeth Johnson, a spokesperson for the governor, stated.
Johnson emphasized that the president has made it clear that states will play a significant role in collaborating with his administration to enhance community safety. “Tennessee is heeding the call,” she added. Tennessee is among several states experiencing a rise in crimes committed by illegal immigrants, including those linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
The new division would encourage cooperation between federal immigration enforcement and state and local entities. It would also prohibit state and local governments from implementing “sanctuary city” policies that hinder cooperation with ICE.
Governor Lee’s proposal includes appointing a chief immigration enforcement officer who would oversee collaboration with federal agencies and ensure efficient communication on immigration matters.
State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson praised the legislation, stating, “With this legislation, Tennessee continues to lead the nation in fighting illegal immigration.” He believes the proposal will ease the burden on local governments by centralizing immigration enforcement. Johnson also highlighted efforts to hold local officials accountable for unlawfully harboring illegal immigrants, violating the state’s sanctuary city ban.
However, Democrats have criticized the proposed legislation as a distraction from the governor’s focus on pro-school choice voucher legislation. This voucher plan will also be considered during the special session, alongside disaster funding for areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Senate Democratic Caucus spokesperson Brandon Puttbrese expressed concerns that Gov. Lee’s immigration policies are a diversion from his educational agenda.
Puttbrese accused Gov. Lee of using divisive tactics to advance his political goals. “By mirroring Donald Trump’s extreme promise to deport immigrant workers, Gov. Lee is engaging in a calculated effort to divide Tennesseans,” he argued. Despite these criticisms, the proposed legislation reflects a broader trend among conservative leaders to prioritize immigration enforcement.
For many Tennesseans, the focus on illegal immigration aligns with their concerns about safety and law enforcement. The debate over immigration policy in Tennessee is likely to continue as lawmakers consider the implications of Gov. Lee’s proposals. While Republicans push for stricter enforcement, Democrats remain skeptical of the governor’s motivations.
The special session will undoubtedly bring heated discussions on both the immigration bill and the school voucher program. As Tennessee navigates these complex issues, the outcome will have significant implications for the state’s future. The focus remains on balancing enforcement with the need for effective community policies.