Los Angeles experienced a minor earthquake on Tuesday, just as tensions escalated across the city due to ongoing protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.
According to the Daily Mail, A 3.4 magnitude tremor shook neighborhoods near Los Angeles while demonstrations intensified into violence over federal immigration enforcement, prompting a significant military deployment to restore order.
The earthquake struck at 12:15 p.m. Pacific Time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Its epicenter was recorded about eight miles from Manhattan Beach and 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The shaking was felt across communities on the west side of the city.
More than 700 residents reported experiencing the quake, with reports coming from Santa Monica, Venice, Inglewood, Redondo Beach, and Torrance. No injuries or property damage have been linked to the tremor. Scientists note that quakes in the 2.5 to 5.4 magnitude range are often felt but rarely cause substantial harm.
The quake's proximity to the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone highlights the region’s geological vulnerability. This fault zone lies just offshore from the Los Angeles County coastline and has the potential to generate much stronger quakes. A 6.4 magnitude quake occurred on this fault line in 1993, and experts estimate it could produce a quake as high as magnitude 7.4.
Despite its minimal physical impact, some Los Angeles residents mistook the earthquake for part of the ongoing civil unrest. "I just assume any shaking is from the riot downtown," an unnamed social media user remarked, capturing the city's current anxiety.
The earthquake happened during the fourth straight day of protests and riots sparked by recent ICE raids. Demonstrations began on Friday and have since grown more aggressive, with scenes of car fires, looting, and mass gatherings in several parts of the city.
To address the escalating situation, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of approximately 2,800 military personnel to Los Angeles. This includes 700 Marines and around 2,100 National Guard troops already stationed or in transit. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that troops would remain in place for up to 60 days.
The military presence is aimed at restoring order in areas most affected by the violence. Hegseth said the mission was to combat what he described as violent individuals involved in immigration-related riots, looting, and vandalism.
In a statement on Tuesday, President Trump defended his decision to dispatch troops, saying it was necessary to tackle “lawlessness” in the state. He also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming the situation in Los Angeles deteriorated following the governor’s objection to federal intervention.
“If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke [the Insurrection Act],” Trump said. “We'll see. But I can tell you, last night was terrible. The night before that was terrible.”
The president continued, saying that had the National Guard not been sent in quickly, "Los Angeles would be burning to the ground." He emphasized the decisive nature of the federal response, describing it as a warning to other cities that might see similar unrest.
Downtown business owners are expressing frustration as looters and vandals continue to target key commercial districts. Some store owners claim that the destruction has overwhelmed city services and rendered them unable to respond effectively.
Trump warned that unrest could spread to cities across the country if leaders fail to take firm action. “This is the first, perhaps of many, or perhaps if we didn't attack this one very strongly, you would have them all over the country,” he said about the riots.
Although riots continue, officials have not identified a direct link between the earthquake and the public disorder. Still, both events together have increased pressure on emergency services already stretched thin by days of unrest.
For now, authorities remain focused on containing violence and preventing further damage. Many residents are watching closely as local and federal officials coordinate their response under unprecedented circumstances.
Though the earthquake caused no immediate harm, it served as a symbolic jolt, amplifying the city’s growing unease. Officials caution that structural vulnerabilities and civil unrest are not unrelated in a city prone to both natural and man-made crises.
Los Angeles continues to brace for more protests and possible aftershocks, both geological and social, in the days ahead.
