But the law carved out exceptions for people from certain countries and gives them the legal right to be here while that process is ongoing. Therefore, they are not here illegally.
As for the border crossing itself, the NYT reports that these people turned themselves in to immigration officials with the intent to seek asylum. It’s not clear exactly how they entered the country, but if they did it at an established land crossing, it wouldn’t be an illegal entry. That’s what most asylum seekers do. Even if they crossed “illegally,” the fact that they turned themselves in and asked for asylum is mitigating.
People from Mexico are allowed to seek asylum, they just currently have to do it from Mexico because they will be sent back -that doesn’t make their attempted crossing illegal. It didn’t used to be like that -they would not be turned back or prosecuted for improper entry if they were seeking asylum. It is not a crime to enter the country to seek asylum.
Bottom line, like it or not, they have a legal right to be here and plead their case. While they are here, it is our duty (morally and legally) to treat them with dignity and respect.