Secret group of US security officials warns states Trump could send troops and ICE agents to polling stations

Roughly 10 current and former Defense Department officials have spent months privately briefing governors, election chiefs and lawmakers from both parties in 10 states. They are focusing on the battlegrounds that could decide control of Congress on November 3. They say their warnings rest on the administration's public actions and remarks, not on classified intelligence. White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said the administration is protecting elections from fraud.

'We're concerned but we don't know what to do,' state officials told the group.

Some advisers remain federal employees but insist they are acting outside their official roles.

Republican lawmakers are being urged to publicly oppose any interference if it comes.