Mass deportation is a straw man. Real enforcement will encourage many to return the same way they got here.
Eisenhower employed mass deportation during his Presidency. Last time I looked Ike is considered one of our best Presidents.
Our current politicians lack the will to enforce deportation. They put currying favor with the vaunted latino vote way ahead of little things like honoring their oath to enforce our laws.
But you’re right, just demonstrating the willingness to enforce the deportation law will encourage plenty of illegal foreign nationals to return home. That happened when Eisenhower enforced the law.