NEW ORLEANS —

Staging for "Operation Swamp Sweep" could start as soon as Friday, as some leaders say they expect violent criminals to be targeted.

According to faith leaders, that's not the case, and their congregations are on edge as the heavy law enforcement presence is creating new fears. Advertisement

Standing in an empty church, pastor David Speed said, "There's a lot of things I can say, but I have to be aware that I can't feel what they feel." A harsh reality for the pastor who is a New Orleans native with a predominantly Hispanic congregation.

"My phone is filled with calls and texts saying, 'We love you, pastor, we serve in the church, faithful volunteers, but we're not going to be there this Sunday,'" said Speed.

As preparations are underway for the federal operation, Speed

See Full Page