ALBANY — The federal Department of Justice sent letters to Mayor Kathy Sheehan and officials from 25 other cities and counties nationwide and select states warning that they are risking federal grant funding by implementing so-called "sanctuary city" policies.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Alan Hanson wrote to Sheehan that DOJ "is concerned" that an executive order issued by the mayor earlier this year affirming that city police would not question individuals on the basis of immigration or citizenship status — except when necessary to probe criminal activity by that person — doesn't comply with federal law.

The law in question bars local and state governments from enacting laws or policies that require officials to withhold immigration status information from federal authorities.

In the letter, DOJ takes issue with three sections of Sheehan's order, including a piece that states police shall not respond to federal immigration officials' requests for "non-public information ... including but not limited to ... information about an individual's release (or) home address."

Hanson wrote that compliance is a requirement for a $65,738 federal law enforcement assistance grant the city received in fiscal year 2016.

Hanson requested that the city to explain whether any Albany laws, policies or practices violate the law and whether the city would comply with the law, should it receive another grant in fiscal year 2017.

The letter is not a final determination either way regarding whether Albany violated its grant requirements or what action DOJ would take.

Sheehan's Chief of Staff Brian Shea said that the administration is confident it is in compliance with federal law and will respond to DOJ in the coming days.

When she issued the executive order in April, Sheehan said "residents and visitors" should not be afraid to contact the police if they are a victim of or witness to a crime because they fear that law enforcement will ask about their immigration status.

"I am committed to ensuring that equity and social justice guide all city of Albany decisions, and this executive order is another example of that commitment," she said at the time. "It is a fact that our city is safer because of the trust, relationships and partnerships cultivated in our neighborhoods as a result of community policing and 21st century policing strategies."

Sheehan was the only New York official to receive a letter from Hanson on Wednesday. The mayors of Burlinton, Vt., San Francisco and Seattle, to name a few, also received letters. State officials from Vermont, Oregon and Illinois were contacted by Hanson as well.

The letters are just the latest round sent by DOJ. New York City was among the major metropolitan municipalities that were sent similar warnings in October.

Sheehan issued her executive order days after DOJ first notified New York City and others that they needed to prove they were in compliance with the law in order to receive grant money.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in July that the department would only provide the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grants in question to cities and states that comply with federal law, allow federal immigration access to detention facilities, and provide 48 hours notice before they release an illegal alien wanted by federal authorities

"So-called 'sanctuary' policies make all of us less safe because they intentionally undermine our laws and protect illegal aliens who have committed crimes," Sessions said. "These policies also encourage illegal immigration and even human trafficking by perpetuating the lie that in certain cities, illegal aliens can live outside the law."

New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office, which has warred with President Donald Trump's administration on a range of issues, is standing by the Empire State's local governments.

"Our legal guidance is clear: Local governments have broad discretion to protect their immigrant communities," Schneiderman spokeswoman Amy Spitalnick said in a statement. " ... (T)hese policies aren't just legal; they also make communities safer."

Also Wednesday, a federal judge in Philadelphia issued a preliminary injunction barring DOJ from withholding law enforcement grants from the city because of its immigration policing policy.

mhamilton@timesunion.com • 518-454-5449 •@matt_hamilton10