Estonia is sending its border guard unit back to the Latvia-Belarus border for two months. There is now a major wave of illegal migration. Deputy Director General of the Police and Border Guard Board Veiko Kommusaar says Estonia has been helping its neighbors for a long time.
Kommusaar told Vikerraadio that Estonian border guards are going to assist Latvia. In addition to Estonia, Latvia is also being helped by Finnish and Lithuanian border guard units. This creates a strong EU external border that keeps threats at bay.
In the past two weeks, 81 people who arrived illegally via Belarus have been detained in Estonia. Most of these people are from African countries. They are being sent on to other countries. The first detainees will be handed over to Latvia this week.
The police and border guards are also catching human traffickers. For example, three people were arrested last week. These people earn money by smuggling illegal border crossers.
Kommusaar says there is no reason for concern. Although a group of strangers was seen in Nõmme, there is no reason to panic. The authorities are grateful when people report suspicious movements.
Kommusaar says migration pressure could also come to the Estonia-Russia border. A few years ago, there were attempts to cross the border at Finnish and Estonian border points. This is no longer the case today, but the danger still exists. If one route is closed, new opportunities are sought.
Kommusaar emphasized that Estonia is ready for anything. The authorities are monitoring the situation and doing everything to keep the country safe.