What is the difference between migrants seeking asylum and 'gotaways' at the U.S.-Mexico border?

The key distinction lies in how individuals interact with border authorities upon crossing. Asylum seekers voluntarily surrender to Border Patrol agents and formally request protection, entering the legal immigration system where they can remain in the United States while their cases are processed through the courts. In contrast, "gotaways" are individuals who deliberately evade detection and capture by border authorities. These people cross the border illegally and either avoid contact entirely or, in some cases, may initially register but then flee by removing tracking devices like ankle bracelets and disappearing into the country. This distinction is crucial for understanding border security challenges, as gotaways represent unknown individuals who have successfully bypassed immigration control systems, raising both security concerns and complicating efforts to manage immigration flows effectively.