That is a pretty strange question. A deportation can be performed by practically anyone. It could be the state, and almost always is, but it could also be performed by an individual or a corporation.

But I think what you wanted to ask is whether the determination of immigration status is a state action, which it (obviously) is. You are correct that it is a legal contradiction to deport people whose immigration status has not yet been determined (this is after all something a court may have to decide). My point is that I am in favor of that contradiction not being resolved, because it effectively bypasses the legal system and makes immigration, in any capacity, unappealing, as any immigrant has to be aware that they have to be, at some point, confronted with an extra legal deportation.

I just cannot imagine how gobsmackingly dumb one has to be to consciously advocate for a government unrestrained by laws.

Just true mud-farmer level intellect.

I am sorry, but "you are dumb" is not an argument. I just do not care about the law at all+. Far too often have I seen justice abused in the name of the law. Any appeal to some supposed legality just rings entirely hollow.

Either the government acts justly and I support their actions or it acts unjustly and I will oppose that action. Whatever some piece of paper says or does not say I do not mind.

+ Of course I care about it in so far I have to understand how getting into conflict with the prevalent interpretation of it will have consequence for me or my family or my friends. I pay my taxes, after all.

Yeah, this is the opinion of a very stupid person. Have a good day :)