BERLIN -- Germany will extend its strict border controls, initially implemented to address migration and terrorism concerns, for an additional six months beyond their planned expiration in March, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Wednesday.

Last September, Germany introduced passport and identity document checks at land border crossings to curb the number of people entering the country without a visa. The measure was initially set to be in place for six months, responding to rising illegal immigration and security concerns.

According to the German Interior Ministry, in recent months, Germany has detected approximately 80,000 cases of illegal entry, arrested around 1,900 smugglers, and turned away about 47,000 individuals for reasons such as falsified documents or lost visas. "With border controls, we are effectively preventing irregular migration," Scholz said.

Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) have faced mounting pressure on the issue after a series of deadly attacks attributed to migrants and asylum seekers. Several attacks in Germany since last year have reignited concerns about security and immigration. Following an attack in Solingen that killed three people and injured eight, Scholz pledged to accelerate deportations, tighten weapon restrictions, and further reduce irregular migration if necessary.

German media speculate that the extension of border controls, ahead of the early election for the Bundestag, signals that immigration will be a central theme in the upcoming election.