SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco officials say a federal grand jury is investigating the city's policy of offering sanctuary to illegal immigrants.

The probe focuses on whether the policy violates federal laws against harboring people who are in the U.S. illegally.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera says his office has hired a criminal defense lawyer to represent employees who might be questioned or asked for documents. Herrera and Mayor Gavin Newsom say they will cooperate with the investigation.

The San Francisco law prohibits the use of city funds to help enforce federal immigration law or question individuals about their immigration status. About 80 other cities and five states have similar policies.

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, www.sfgate.com/chronicle