Nicolás, a National Liberation Party (PLN) representative for Puntarenas Province, expressed surprise at the decision. He stated that during his three years as a deputy, he had participated in multiple meetings and work tours with former U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles to address key issues affecting his province.

He suggested that the visa cancellation may have been influenced by a request from President Rodrigo Chaves' administration.

The congressman was previously named in a report titled "Made in China" by the local news outlet Central de Noticias, which detailed allegedly private meetings with Zhiheng Reng, the Public Relations Director for Huawei’s Central American branch.

In the case of Machuca, she also confirmed the cancellation of her U.S. visa. She defended her work as ICE’s General Auditor, stating she had acted with "diligence, integrity, and courage" in fulfilling her legal responsibilities.

In December 2024, President Chaves announced a criminal investigation into Machuca and Huawei, accusing them of fraud and neglecting their responsibilities, which allegedly resulted in financial harm to the Public Treasury.

Huawei had attempted to compete in Costa Rica’s 5G network tender despite failing to meet cybersecurity standards outlined in the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.

This international treaty, ratified by 68 countries, including Costa Rica, establishes legal frameworks to combat cybercrime, enhance investigative tools, and promote international cooperation.

Nicolás and Machuca are the latest high-ranking officials to face U.S. visa revocations. In February, Congresswomen Johanna Obando and Cinthya Córdoba of the Liberal Progressive Party (PLP) were also notified of their visa cancellations. Both had recently drawn attention to meetings with Huawei representatives.

The Institute of Electricity (ICE) is the state-owned electrical power and telecommunications services provider in the country.

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