An account shared on social media has sparked concern among Indian professionals working in the US on H-1B visas. An X user, Chetan Anantharamu, claimed
that an Infosys employee from Mysuru, who was in the US on an on-site assignment, was allegedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and given just two hours to pack his belongings. According to the post, the employee was presented with two options -- go to jail or be deported. After choosing deportation, he was allegedly escorted by ICE agents to the airport to ensure he boarded a flight to India via Frankfurt. "Heard a wild wild story tdy of an Infy employee from Mysuru who was on-site for a project in US. Was picked up by ICE agents, given 2 hours to pack up from his home, given 2 choices. Either go to jail or get deported. Once that chap chose to return back to India, was escorted by agents & handed to airport authorities in US to ensure he is aboard the flight to India via Frankfurt transit," the account wrote. The post further claims that the employee was publicly humiliated during the journey, with announcements allegedly made onboard the aircraft instructing crew to ensure he did not “escape” upon landing in Frankfurt. Similar announcements were reportedly made during the connecting flight to Bengaluru, instructing that he remain seated until takeoff.
Infosys lawyers reach Bengaluru airport
Anantharamu claimed that Infosys legal representatives were present at Bengaluru airport to receive the employee and escort him home. The employee is reportedly in a state of severe distress and is undergoing counselling, while the company is said to be exploring legal options against ICE officials.
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"Inside the plane was humiliated with public announcement that he should not be allowed to escape once flight lands in Frankfurt. Again in Frankfurt, was escorted till his seat for the flight back to Bangalore & again public announcement made that he should not get up from his seat till flight takes off."
"Infy lawyers showed up at Blr airport to receive him & take him back home. right now he is completely in a depressed state & is getting counselling session from company & Infy wants to help him sue the ICE agents in US. Guess such stories will become normal in coming days for Indian executives in US on H1B."
The claims have not been independently verified.
Indian nationals are the largest beneficiaries of US employment-based visas, particularly the H-1B programme.
