NEW YORK — An American Indian tribe is suing Suffolk County, saying a police blockade of entrances to its reservation was a case of harassment and racial discrimination.

The Unkechaug Nation filed suit Friday in U.S. District court in Brooklyn. The daylong incident on Dec. 6 stemmed from the tribe’s practice of selling tobacco products without charging state tax. The suit alleges the action violated the constitutional rights of the Unkechaug.

Tribe lawyer James Simermeyer says the police blockade was “deliberately set up to harass tribe members” by stopping people entering and leaving the Poospatuck Reservation near Mastic.

Suffolk County officials did immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday.