The Department of Homeland Security wouldn’t say what the purpose of the operation was on Monday, why it ended abruptly, or whether anyone had been arrested.

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

Residents were outraged after dozens of federal agents marched through MacArthur Park, in one of the city’s most immigrant-heavy neighborhoods. Homeland Security officials said it was an immigration enforcement operation.