A day after federal officers and National Guard troops descended on MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, immigrant residents of the surrounding neighborhood were coming to grips with the operation that local officials said seemed designed to sow fear.

Community leaders suggested starting a $500,000 emergency relief fund for local businesses that are struggling to staff their stores and restaurants.

A chaotic scene unfolded Monday morning when a large number of armed federal agents descended on Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park before leaving in armored vehicles, SUVs and vans. Details about why the agents in tactical gear were at the park at about 11 a.