Humberto Villalobos, Omar Gonzalez, Claudia Macero, Magalli Meda, and Pedro Urruchurtu at the Argentine Embassy in Caracas. Photograph: (REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Vilori)
Guacamaya, May 6, 2025. The five members of María Corina Machado’s political team who had been taking refuge in the Argentine Embassy in Caracas since March 2024, left the country. The information was confirmed by the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, through his official account on X, where he welcomed the release of the opposition members.
Pedro Urruchurtu, Magalí Meda, Claudia Macero, Humberto Villalobos, and Omar González are the names of all the key members of Machado’s campaign team who managed to leave. According to unofficial reports, the operation was the result of negotiations involving representatives of Nicolás Maduro’s government, associates of María Corina Machado, and the participation of foreign governments.
However, the Secretary of State described the operation as a “rescue” and thanked the personnel and international partners who collaborated. Rubio referred to the refugees as “Venezuelan heroes” and “hostages of the Maduro regime,” and confirmed the arrival of the five opposition members on U.S. soil. He also reiterated accusations against the Venezuelan government for human rights violations.
The five opposition members-Magalli Meda, Claudia Macero, Humberto Villalobos, Omar González, and Pedro Urruchurtu-sought refuge in the Argentine Embassy in March 2024 after being accused of conspiracy by the Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s Office. During their stay, they reported prolonged power and water outages, restrictions on access to food and medicine, and constant surveillance by the DGCIM.
In addition to the five now exiled, there was Fernando Martínez Mottola, former minister and advisor to the Unitary Democratic Platform (PUD). Martínez Mottola left the premises in December 2024 after being granted house arrest and died in February 2025 due to a massive stroke, according to a source close to the political leader.
After the expulsion of Argentine diplomats in August 2024, the protection of the embassy passed to Brazil. The government of Lula da Silva maintained custody despite pressure from the Maduro administration to withdraw, reiterating that it would continue safeguarding Argentine interests until a new diplomatic corps acceptable to Caracas was appointed.
Until this afternoon, the operation involving the departure of Machado’s associates was kept strictly confidential. In the coming hours, the Venezuelan government’s version, as well as details of the departure and the exiles’ final destinations, are expected to be officially released, along with possible repercussions for the country’s political landscape.
