After clashes last year, it looks like another court battle is brewing inside the Cayuga Indian Nation.

In a lawsuit, Nation leaders represented by Clint Halftown are seeking $600,000 in payments from people who they say are illegally occupying 14 Nation-owned residential properties.

However, Halftown said they are not looking to evict people due to the pandemic.

The Nation had tried to enforce evictions at these properties before, but was told they needed to resolve the matter using their own laws. They've now created their own court system, which is where the lawsuit was filed.

Land claim disputes are nothing new to the Cayugas. Traditional Cayuga Nation Chiefs and Clan Mothers have rejected Halftown's leadership, even though he's recognized by the U.S. government.

About a year ago, the conflict came to a head when 11 properties were demolished in the town of Seneca Falls at the instruction of Halftown. He said the demolitions were needed to regain control of the land, but protests later turned violent.

In this latest property dispute, there will be a judge proceeding over the case.

Former Onondaga County Court Judge Joseph Fahey is the Nation’s criminal and civil court judge.