Infosys CEO and Managing Director Salil Parekh has categorically dismissed viral social media reports alleging that a company employee was detained or deported by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaking during the company's earnings conference on Wednesday, Parekh provided clarification on the incident that sparked widespread concern across social media platforms.

CEO's Official Statement

Parekh clarified that while an employee was denied entry into the United States and subsequently returned to India, there was no detention or deportation involved in the process. The CEO stated that the reports circulating online were inaccurate, directly contradicting the viral claims that had gained significant traction on social media.

Viral Social Media Claims

The controversy originated from a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) on January 13, which made several serious allegations about the treatment of an Infosys employee:

Challenges for Indian IT Companies

The incident occurs amid increasing difficulties faced by Indian IT companies operating in the United States due to stricter H-1B visa regulations. These companies are encountering multiple operational challenges that affect their cross-border service delivery capabilities.

Key regulatory changes impacting operations include:

• $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications
• Enhanced social media vetting of visa applicants
• Unpredictable processing times for visa applications
• Increased complexity in on-site project deployments

These measures have significantly disrupted the traditional model of deploying Indian IT professionals to client locations in the United States.

ICE Enforcement Under Scrutiny

The controversy emerges during a period of heightened scrutiny of ICE's enforcement tactics and detention practices. The agency has faced criticism following several serious incidents, including the fatal shooting of protester Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis on January 7.

Detention Center Conditions and Fatalities

ICE detention facilities have come under increased criticism for unsafe conditions and rising fatality rates:

The 2025 death toll represents the highest annual number of fatalities in ICE detention since the agency's establishment, raising serious questions about detention conditions and enforcement practices.

Industry Impact

The incident highlights the broader challenges facing the Indian IT services sector in maintaining seamless operations across international borders. As visa regulations continue to tighten and enforcement measures intensify, companies like Infosys must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment while ensuring accurate communication about employee welfare and safety.

Infosys Limited has formally submitted comprehensive auditor reports for its quarterly and nine-month financial results ended December 31, 2025, to major stock exchanges including BSE Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, and New York Stock Exchange. The submission, completed on January 14, 2026, includes detailed audit opinions with Unique Document Identification Numbers (UDIN) as required under regulatory compliance.

Audit Opinion and Compliance

Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, serving as the independent auditor, has provided unqualified audit opinions on both consolidated and standalone financial statements. Partner Vikas Bagaria signed all audit reports on January 14, 2026, from Bengaluru, confirming compliance with applicable auditing standards and regulatory requirements.

The audit reports demonstrate adherence to multiple regulatory frameworks:

Subsidiary Network and Corporate Structure

The audit annexure reveals Infosys's extensive global footprint through 138 subsidiary entities spanning multiple jurisdictions. The comprehensive list demonstrates the company's strategic expansion across key markets including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets.

Recent corporate restructuring activities include several significant developments:

• Mergers Completed: WongDoody, Inc., Outbox systems Inc. dba Simplus (US), Blue Acorn iCi Inc., and Kaleidoscope Animations, Inc. merged into Infosys Nova Holdings LLC effective January 01, 2025
• New Incorporations: Seven new subsidiaries established across different regions, including Infosys Limited SPC (December 12, 2024) and Infosys BPM Netherlands B.V. (March 20, 2025)
• Strategic Acquisitions: MRE Consulting Ltd and associated entities acquired on April 30, 2025, with partnership interests split between Infosys Nova Holding LLC (98.21%) and Infosys Energy Consulting Services LLC (1.79%)

Regulatory Framework and Standards

The audit reports confirm compliance with comprehensive regulatory requirements under Indian and international accounting standards. The auditor opinions specifically address adherence to Indian Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" (Ind AS 34) and International Accounting Standard 34 (IAS 34) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Key regulatory compliance areas include:

• Maintenance of adequate accounting records under Companies Act provisions
• Implementation of effective internal financial controls
• Assessment of going concern basis of accounting
• Proper disclosure requirements under SEBI listing regulations

Audit Methodology and Assurance

Deloitte's audit approach encompassed comprehensive risk assessment procedures, evaluation of internal controls, and detailed examination of financial reporting processes. The auditor reports emphasize professional judgment and skepticism throughout the audit process, ensuring reasonable assurance regarding material misstatement detection.

The audit evidence obtained has been deemed sufficient and appropriate to support the audit opinions provided. Company Secretary A.G.S. Manikantha (Membership No: A21918) digitally signed the submission documents, confirming proper authorization and compliance with corporate governance requirements.

This comprehensive audit documentation will be hosted on the company's official website at www.infosys.com for stakeholder access and regulatory transparency.