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Shinnecock Nation Sues NY Over Sovereign Land Rights

12/29/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Shinnecock Indian Nation filed a federal lawsuit alleging Sunrise Highway was built on its sovereign land without federal approval.
The tribe argues New York State lacked authority to construct Route 27 through federally protected Westwoods land in Hampton Bays, seeking compensation.
The suit names New York Attorney General Letitia James, Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, and Governor Kathy Hochul, with the dispute dating to 2019.

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Story summary

The Shinnecock Indian Nation filed a federal lawsuit alleging Sunrise Highway was built on its sovereign land without federal approval.
The tribe argues New York State lacked authority to construct Route 27 through federally protected Westwoods land in Hampton Bays, seeking compensation.
The suit names New York Attorney General Letitia James, Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, and Governor Kathy Hochul, with the dispute dating to 2019.