A Chicago mother tells NBC News she and her 2-year-old were hit with a chemical agent. Many residents say the city wasn’t a “war zone”— until immigration agents swept through.

Allegations over excessive use-of-force by federal immigration agents in the Chicago area during "Operation Midway Blitz" will be a key focus during a hearing Wednesday morning at Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

The preliminary injunction hearing stems from a lawsuit filed by news outlets and protesters who say agents have used too much force, including tear gas, during demonstrations.

The incoming preliminary injunction replaces a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis in early October that was set to expire at 11:30 a.m.

A federal judge in Chicago on Thursday slammed immigration officers’ use of force on members of the media and protesters, issuing an extensive injunction preventing federal law enforcement

Over the weekend there were violent clashes between federal agents, witnesses and protesters. Locals say the festivities were muted this year, and fear more violence is in store for the city.

The Border Patrol leader who's behind an aggressive immigration crackdown across the Chicago area is applauding his agents' use of force and aggressive tactics.