I think there are plenty of deportations that need to happen and a partial list off the top of my head, would include ALL who overstay visas, anybody coming out of jail that committed a crime, served their time that is not a legal citizen and any illegals law enforcement encounters while doing their normal duties... The criminals go to jail first and deported after...
BUT that said, I agree that self deportation will happen if we would just simply enforce our existing laws and make it a crime (maybe even federal crime) to employ any illegal... I believe it, because that is all it took here in Arizona and I watched the self deportation happen as a result of our law. Unfortunately, because they could, instead of going home, they self deported to cities all over the US including the many sanctuary cities. Then our law was overturned by the Supreme Court and we are right back where we were with many new illegals just staying here when they cross. I don’t even have a problem with those that are here having a pathway to citizenship as long as that pathway starts with them going back and getting in line behind the ones already waiting and doing it the right way.
Before wasting the time and money deporting ANYBODY, we need to actually secure our border with a combination of physical and electronic barriers, probably more boots on the ground too, but that too is worthless if your not going to change our current “rules of engagement” and stop them. I personally don’t care if an actual physical wall is built along the entire border as long as the border is secured.
You are right; with respect to your comment about the rules of engagement and securing the border, et al....
There is an old military principle regarding fences, walls, and such. Those things are included in the term: “Obstacles,” and obstacles are intended to stop, or at least slow down, the advance of the enemy.
The principle: “An obstacle is NOT an obstacle unless it is covered by fire (i.e. guns).”