Alan Hanson, the acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's grant-making arm, warned the cities that they're required to submit proof they comply with federal immigration law.
"Failure to comply with this condition could result in the withholding of grant funds, suspension or termination of the grant, ineligibility for future ... grants, or other action, as appropriate," Hanson wrote.
The places receiving the letters include: Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Miami, Milwaukee, New York and Sacramento.