Let's try again, if someone crosses the border, outside of a port of entry, like hiking through the Arizona desert, then they are an "illegal immigrant". They have broken the law. But if someone got here legally, like with a tourist Visa or a student Visa, and they overstay that VISA, they are not illegal. They have not violated any law, it is merely a civil code violation. Not up to par with jay-walking, more like someone violating an HO covenant.
It is so damn simple. If someone got here illegally, yeah, they are an illegal immigrant, by definition. All of them. But, if they got here legally, applied for asylum legally, and now, due to overstaying a VISA, lack of asylum hearing, or whatever reason, have not violated any law, cannot be called "illegal" immigrants. The reporter probably understands that distinction, and the press secretary probably does too. But she got to be "on message". And you guys lap it up.