LrC iPhoto import workflow

Hi- I am running Lightroom Classic and have it set up to Auto-Import the iCloud photos folder.  It all works as expected but the problem I am having is more of a photo management issue.  If I drag those photos to my Year-Month-Day folder structure, then they disappear from the iPhoto library and I cant access them on my mobile phone & tablet.  I cant seem to make copies of them and have them remain accessible in the iPhoto's library, while editing copies and building a collection in Lightroom.

Does anyone have the same problem and what solutions do users recommend?

Paul