Just adding my farthingsworth: no human is 'illegal'.
If there were efficient safe and legal ways of applying for asylum and good solid infrastructure to ensure each application is processed swiftly, there would be far less reliance on 'small boats'. That's where the focus needs to be now, with all speed. That way those whose need is great can be accepted and anyone whose need is considered to be minimal can be refused. No internment in hideously cruel camps for months and even years.
These are fellow human beings who want to live safely, work and contribute.
US troops forced to act on the ground?
A drop in the ocean in the great schemes of things....but replicated by how many more
