They deported many, and incentivized even more to come, by actions like deportation protection for 5 million [1], or special programs to allow 500k more to come [2]. And while the federal government cut funds to states that set their own drinking age [3], it did nothing when those same states flaunted immigration laws (so-called "sanctuary" states & cities). So long as they permit more immigrants to come. If they tried to enforce immigration laws, i.e. the border, their efforts were swiftly crushed [4].
I don't know how effective Trump is at border control, but to imply previous administrations (Republicans included) were hostile to immigration, legal or illegal, is laughable.