Fifty members of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians are no longer receiving casino revenue share payments as the rest of the tribe are claiming they do not meet the blood requirements.
It is thought that the issue could put the whole tribe in danger if they are found to be violating the rules for sharing Indian gaming revenue.
They may end up facing sanctions and fines as a result of their actions, according to Southern California's Bureau of Indian Affairs chief James Fletcher.
All the 50 individuals in question are descended from a man who was not a full-blooded Indian, yet they believe they are being discriminated against because the tribe does not wish to share the profits with them.
As well as not receiving their $4,000 a month, many are also being fired from their jobs and may face eviction from their homes.
In related news, Congress denied proposals for a potentially precedent-setting off-reservation tribal casino to be built in Michigan earlier this week.
Fifty members of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians are no longer receiving casino revenue share payments as the rest of the tribe are claiming they do not meet the blood requirements.