A Guatemalan national without legal U.S. residency is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and evading arrest after allegedly shooting at a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper following a traffic stop on January 12th. The incident began in Lenoir City around 6:30 p.m. when Eugenio Abraham Solis Klarks was stopped for speeding and subsequently presented a Guatemalan consular ID card. As officers prepared a citation, Klarks allegedly fled, initiating a high-speed chase into Knox County.

The pursuit ended when Klarks lost control of his vehicle on Watt Road. Upon exiting his vehicle, he allegedly brandished an assault rifle and aimed it at the approaching trooper. Shots were exchanged, and Klarks was injured. Multiple firearms were reportedly discovered inside his vehicle. Klarks' vehicle had previously been observed in Macon, Georgia, and Indianapolis.

Klarks is currently held at the Knox County Jail, with an ICE detainer filed against him. In addition to attempted murder and evading arrest, he is charged with employing a firearm during a dangerous felony.

This incident coincides with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee's proposal for a new "centralized immigration enforcement division" within the state's Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security. The division aims to strengthen collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement on immigration matters and prohibit “sanctuary city” policies. The proposal is part of a broader immigration agenda being considered by the Tennessee legislature during a special session.

Governor Lee's office emphasized the state's commitment to partnering with federal authorities to enforce existing immigration laws, echoing sentiments expressed by the current presidential administration.

The proposed division would be led by a chief immigration enforcement officer appointed by Governor Lee, tasked with overseeing collaboration and communication between different levels of government. While proponents argue the legislation will enhance public safety and address the burden of illegal immigration on local resources, critics contend it is a politically motivated distraction from other important issues like school voucher programs and disaster relief funding.