cayuga nation

All three detainees are related to a woman whose home was demolished last month on orders from the tribe’s controversial leader, Clint Halftown. The detainees are outspoken critics of Halftown.

A banner on one of the tents reads “Halftown Must Go.” It’s a reference to a dispute between a faction of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ and the tribe's de facto leader.

One Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ' family said they believe the surprise demolition of their grandmother's home was an act of retaliation for their past criticism of Halftown.

“I mean the government has done us wrong.”

The response was due to the recent destruction buildings and subsequent brawl that occurred days later.