checkpoints, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and seemingly endless anticipation. this woman and her family had been waiting to cross the border for more than 24 hours. they are still nowhere near the front of the line. >> i don't know what is waiting for me and my family. we're going into the unknown and it scares us. >> reporter: everyone in their cars is willing to wait. closer to the border even hobble buses drop people off by the dozens to cross on foot joining lines that stretch for blocks and for hours. max is taping and zip tying left over insulation from his heating business to his daughter's feet to make sure she is warm while she waits for hours in the frigid cold. you just wanted to make sure your family got here safe? >> yes. he saves us and that's all. >> reporter: when they get to the front of the line max will have to stay behind as a man of fighting age. his in-laws aren't leaving either. >> it is very difficult. it's so hard. my heart is ripped into pieces.