Big media continues to drive the narrative, in spite of Trump’s efforts to mock it. Until quite recently it was well established that committing serious crime while with your children meant that you would be separated from them. Criminals do go to jail; their innocent children don’t go with them.
But entering this country illegally is no big deal, apparently, and bringing the kids along means you won’t go to jail, and be separated from them. Perversely, this will encourage the practice. You’re a fool if you don’t try to smuggle your children into the USA.
Public policy by photo op. A hell of a way to run a country, but it’s reality.