Infosys CEO Sets Record Straight on Viral ICE Detention Rumors
Infosys CEO and Managing Director Salil Parekh has firmly denied sensational claims circulating on social media. He stated that no employee of the IT services giant was ever apprehended or deported by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Parekh made this clarification during the company's third-quarter earnings conference on January 14.
The Viral Post That Sparked Confusion
It all started with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. User Chetan Anantharamu shared a detailed account on January 13. He claimed to have heard about an Infosys employee from Mysuru who was working on-site in the United States.
According to the viral post, ICE agents allegedly detained this employee. The story described a dramatic scenario where the individual was given just two hours to pack his belongings. He was then presented with a stark ultimatum: either face jail time or agree to fly back to India immediately.
The post further alleged that after choosing to return, the employee was escorted by agents. They handed him over to airport authorities in the US to ensure he boarded a flight to India via Frankfurt. The narrative included claims of additional humiliation during the journey.
CEO's Clear Statement During Earnings Call
Salil Parekh addressed these rumors directly the next day. "No Infosys employee has been apprehended by any US authority," he stated unequivocally. He acknowledged a separate incident that occurred a few months prior.
Parekh explained that one Infosys employee was indeed denied entry into the United States. That individual was subsequently sent back to India. However, he emphasized this was a case of entry denial, not an apprehension or deportation by ICE.
The CEO's statement aimed to correct the misinformation spreading rapidly online. His clarification came as part of the regular quarterly update to investors and analysts.
Examining the Social Media Narrative
The original X post painted a vivid picture. It described the employee being escorted during his transit in Frankfurt, Germany. An in-flight announcement allegedly warned that he should not be allowed to escape once the plane landed.
Again in Frankfurt, the post claimed he was escorted to his seat for the connecting flight to Bangalore. Another public announcement reportedly instructed that he should not leave his seat until the aircraft took off.
These detailed allegations gained significant traction online. They sparked discussions about visa issues and the treatment of Indian professionals abroad. Parekh's intervention sought to provide the factual corporate perspective.
Why This Clarification Matters
Infosys is a major global IT services provider with a substantial workforce in the United States. Rumors about immigration troubles can affect employee morale and the company's reputation. They can also cause unnecessary concern among families of overseas staff.
Parekh's prompt denial demonstrates the company's commitment to transparency. It also highlights the challenge businesses face in the age of viral social media content. Unverified claims can spread quickly, requiring official responses to set the record straight.
The incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing. While one employee did face an entry issue months ago, the dramatic detention story was unfounded according to the company's leadership.
