Actually why not ?

If you think a bit longer term, and you're able to put say 100 people there, there might be able to subtly influence the public opinion rather easily. And this public might in turn later vote to join US and said US could come to the rescue.

I believe that's pretty much the plan - try to win the population, which is very small, by any means necessary - bribe (they already tried apparently), sow discord, find a common issue you agree on etc.