The "shadow hearing" included some powerful testimony from community members impacted by the raids. It was part fact-finding mission and part a show of solidarity among democrats who have from the beginning decried the way ICE and Border Patrol agents have carried out their immigration enforcement mission.
For weeks now, communities across the Chicagoland area have been responding to ICE agents targeting their neighborhoods, like Little Village, with large crowds trying to disrupt those efforts.
Protesters have frequently surrounded ICE vehicles and used cell phones to document what's happening, sometimes prompting agents to deploy tear gas to disperse crowds. That has happened despite a judge issuing a temporary restraining order limiting the use of chemical agents.
"They will say, our presence is impeding right, our yelling is documenting, right, and our documentation, they don't want to be documented, because everything that they're doing is illegal, it's unconstitutional is violent and it's dangerous," said Juliet de Jesus Alejandre, Executive Director of Palenque LSNA.
House democrats from across the country, including most from the Chicago region, held an unofficial immigration hearing to get testimony from impacted community members, including one 19-year-old woman named Genesis, whose mother has been detained.
"I get home from one of mom's shifts and I still need to find a way to put food on the table for my little sister and me," Genesis said. "I have to seek more affordable meals because I don't have enough money to pay the bills that are already piling up."
SEE ALSO | Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Live updates
"They've conducted raids near churches and clinics and places that should be sacred," Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García said. "That's why we're conducting oversight and demanding accountability, and an end to the lawless federal invasion of Chicago."
The Trump administration has said agents are going after violent criminals who are in illegally, but communities members said frequently not turned out to be the case. 08 1:02
"With two operations on the ground, the effects are chilling. ICE and CBP are operating without a hint of accountability or transparency for their actions," said Ani Huamani with the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council.
Mayor Brandon Johnson later joined the members of Congress in a show of unity, thanking the congressional delegation for raising awareness of what's happening in Chicago.
"I'm grateful that you all are here to shed light today on Trump's unlawful and increasingly aggressive actions taken against our city and cities across America. What we heard today in the hearing was alarming stories of protesters being attacked, children being traumatized and communities living in fear," Johnson said. "Our standing here today, standing here proudly, unapologetically sends a very clear message to Donald Trump. Chicago will not be silent, we will not bend, we will not cower and we will certainly not break."
Among those testifying was a pastor, David Black with First Presbyterian Church Chicago, who was hit in the head with pepper balls while praying outside the ICE detention facility in Broadview.
"Temporary restraining order issued by Judge Sarah Ellis should be improving the conditions of those exercising their First Amendment right in Chicago Bovino and his henchmen are showing mocking contempt for the rule of law," Pastor Black said.
"May my colleagues take this conviction back, as we remind those in leadership in Congress that it is our moral responsibility to defend our communities," Rep. Delia Ramirez said. "The greatest threat to public safety in Chicago is ICE AND CBP. I think it's important we lift up just how out of control and unaccountable DHS is."
The committee members have already been in Chicago two days, talking to community groups gathering information and feedback. Before they return to Washington, they plan to meet with business groups and educators as well.
"We will take these field hearings across the country, and we will use every part of our power and our platform to fight back and ensure that we return this country to a country of democracy and justice for all," Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided more information Friday about recent violent run-ins with federal agents over the past few days.
DHS issued the following statement:
"While conducting immigration enforcement operations in Cicero and Glendale Heights, agitators stalked law enforcement, rammed vehicles, fled scenes, injured agents, and caused multiple accidents across town-putting law enforcement and the public in danger. Despite the violence, CBP arrested 3 illegal aliens who were breaking our nation's immigration laws. Six citizens were arrested for impeding and threatening to kill agents.
"Our officers are facing a surge in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members. Secretary Noem's message to the rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. CBP and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."