TIL I learned I was a hardened criminal at age 11.

Dude's a teacher, you won't get far in that profession with a criminal record because "would anyone think of the children" has been the favorite drum to beat of the local puritans. Also yeah DACA moral character requirements as Ianus pointed out.

It could be a dozen different things. Could be old proceedings reopened to get AOS or an I-601A. Could've ended up in there on purpose to try and get COR.

Like only thing that Deferred Action does is just defers removal, i.e. the government chooses not to toss you out right now. Now, ICE as a matter of policy wouldn't initiate removal proceedings and EOIR wouldn't order removal if you were already in them (either you'd get admin closure or just have to keep coming in for master hearings), but realistically they both can do that. Now they aren't supposed to actually physically remove you until the DA is gone but if they do then what would you do? You wouldn't even get far with a petition for review because in order to get anywhere with that you'd need to be eligible to do something about your lack of status that an improper deportation deprived you off, they won't let you back in just for DACA.