The group of nine came into the country legally and were granted visitors permits. But they weren't here to visit; they came instead to conduct a survey.

Punta Gorda police detained them on Tuesday after police found them conducting an opinion survey - asking pointed questions about the Government and the Prime Minister.

The matter was deemed to be one of national security - but police did not charge them.

And so on Wednesday evening, the Immigration Department was alerted to give them an order to leave and escort to the Western border.

No one we spoke to could say with certainty for what purpose they were conducting the survey.