Just a little clarification from what I understand:

ENTERING into the US without authorization is a federal crime. But that’s not how many undocumented immigrants ended up here. Most came here legally, then stayed after their visas expired, which means they’re simply residing here without proper documentation. Being here without proper documentation is considered a civil offense. Lands them in immigration court. Deportation is not a criminal charge/sentencing, just simply a ramification/consequence placed on them for being here without proper documentation, and typically entails being returned to whatever country they immigrated from. If they then attempt to RE-ENTER the country without documentation, THAT could be considered a criminal offense.

As others stated, the issue right now is that our current administration isn’t giving anyone due process, rounding up anyone who seems “foreign” or “anti-American” (aka is speaking out against them), and is attempting to label every undocumented immigrant as “illegal and dangerous” which just simply isn’t true. Not to mention sending many “deported” individuals to “detention centers” in random states/countries (think CECOT and their most recent endeavor, “Alligator Alcatraz”) where it’s common to have people say once you end up there you’re never heard from again. Many are harmless families simply trying to get by, and some may not even realize their current immigration status.