Then why not more of a robust guest worker program? I have zero problem dropping the hammer on employers who knowingly hire illegals.

I've advocated that for years. Decades, at this point.

It isn't really "stealth amnesty". If they aren't on the radar, they aren't doing anything. So, not causing a problem. If they are causing a problem, they'll soon appear on the radar, and then you use your finite resources to go get them. It's not an amnesty because amnesty is permanent (in general). This isn't permanent. This is "get noticed, get deported".

Also, the court dates are almost always regarding immigration. Not "assault 4". ICE is waiting outside immigration courts to snag people who are trying to obey the rules, showing up for hearings about their cases (immigration/asylum). If anything, that is counterproductive. It's just a misguided effort to meet misguided quotas.