SALAMANCA, NY (WKBW) — A dispute over sovereignty and law enforcement is escalating between the Seneca Nation and Salamanca city officials in Cattaraugus County.

The Seneca Nation of Indians held a news conference Friday to discuss what they are calling a "significant law enforcement concern" involving an email between the Salamanca City Police Chief and the Cattaraugus County District Attorney that creates hostility against the Seneca's tribal marshals.

The Seneca Nation of Indians is calling out the Salamanca City Police Department and the Cattaraugus County DA for attempts to arrest Nation marshals.

"We're not going to stand by and allow that to happen," said Seneca Nation of Indians President J.C. Seneca.

Seneca said there was communication between the Salamanca City Police Chief and the Cattaraugus County District Attorney that stated the DA believes police have the ability to arrest Seneca marshals who enforce exclusion orders on tribal territory. Seneca is calling it a direct insult to his nation's sovereignty.

"We will not stand for that, and we're going to continue our efforts to keep our public safe, our people safe, and people in the city of Salamanca safe," Seneca remarked.

The Seneca Nation issues exclusion orders to remove people involved in criminal activity and drug trafficking from tribal land. However, no one will explain why the police chief was seeking clarification.

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