Latvian State Border Guard Chief Guntis Pujāts reports increased aggressiveness among illegal border crossers at the Belarus-Latvia border, requiring use of special measures including warning shots. He highlights the record number of illegal crossings in 2026 and ongoing challenges in border protection.

In an interview with Latvian Radio 'Labrīt' on July 9, 2026, State Border Guard (VRS) Chief Guntis Pujāts stated that illegal migrants crossing the Belarus-Latvia border have become more aggressive this year, necessitating the use of special means such as warning shots to prevent illegal border crossings. Since April 2026, 7,634 border crossers have been stopped, surpassing last year's total by 800. On some days, more than 200 people attempt illegal crossings. Incidents include border crossers ramming border guard vehicles and requiring vehicle chases. Although some border crossers are aggressive, none have been armed. Authorities have detained 87 organizers transporting migrants this year, compared to 90 in all of 2025, with forecasts of this doubling by year-end. Pujāts described Latvia as the primary target of Belarusian regime destabilization efforts, supported by comparisons of border crossing numbers with Poland and Lithuania. He emphasized insufficient border guard resources, incomplete border infrastructure, and the need for intensified cooperation with neighboring countries. He also called for increased support from the National Armed Forces (NBS), including mixed patrol units of border guards, reservists, and soldiers, and stressed that challenges also exist on the Latvia-Russia border involving drug trafficking and organized crime, although current pressure is focused on the Belarus border.