In a time when immigration rules are tightening and border control is under scrutiny, even the high-flying elite aren’t immune to red tape.
A Croatian hedge fund executive recently found herself detained and deported after landing in Los Angeles—despite her globe-trotting status and impressive résumé.
Jasmina Midzic, a 36-year-old managing director at Typhon Capital Management in Miami, was refused entry into the U.S. earlier this week after officials claimed she admitted to working illegally on a tourist visa.
A Costly Layover at LAX
Midzic had just flown in from London, expecting to attend the prestigious Milken Institute Global Conference, where figures like Elon Musk and Jill Biden were also set to appear.
But instead of networking with billionaires, she spent 26 hours in detention at Los Angeles International Airport.
Border agents put her on a return flight to the UK after concluding that she had violated visa rules by working a $13,000-a-month job while holding a B1/B2 tourist visa.
“I Would Never Break the Law,” Says Midzic
Midzic, who denies all allegations, told the New York Post that she feels her rights were violated.
“My friends are judges and prosecutors in the U.S.—I would not break the law,” she said.
“This is horribly violating my rights on so many levels.”
She believes she was unfairly profiled due to her background.
“They didn’t listen because I am a white European and I work for a hedge fund,” she added.
“They got very offended that I don’t want American citizenship.”
Boss Defends Her, Denies Any Visa Violation
James Koutoulas, founder of Typhon Capital and Midzic’s former boss at JurisTrade, is standing firmly behind her.
He claims she did nothing wrong and is ready to take legal action if needed.
“If they want to smear her, then I will see them in court,” he told reporters.
According to her professional bio, Midzic has worked in major financial hubs like New York, London, Dubai, Zug, and Miami—giving her a global reputation in the finance world.
Jet-Set Lifestyle on Display
Though her Instagram page is now private, snapshots of Midzic’s high-flying life are still visible online.
Photos on her Facebook show her skiing in the French Alps, relaxing on sun-drenched beaches, and toasting champagne.
With Typhon reportedly managing about $250 million in assets, it’s no surprise she lives the jet-set life.
But it’s also one of the reasons officials say they flagged her for scrutiny—frequent travel raised red flags.
Immigration Officials Crack Down
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed that Midzic had violated the terms of her visa.
“Immigration laws must be followed—those seeking to work in the United States must do so through legal and lawful means or face the consequences,” she stated.
Sources say Midzic previously applied for an L1 visa—which allows international companies to transfer employees into the U.S.—but her application was denied in 2023.
A Broader Immigration Clampdown
Midzic’s case isn’t an isolated one.
In recent months, the U.S. has cracked down hard on perceived immigration violations.
One British tourist, 28-year-old Becky Burke from Wales, spent 19 days in a detention center after a visa mix-up at the U.S.-Canada border.
The Trump administration has taken an aggressive stance, with thousands of migrants detained under its mass deportation policy.
Most recently, officials even floated the idea of suspending habeas corpus—a constitutional right to contest unlawful detention.
Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, told reporters, “The Constitution is clear… it’s an option we’re actively looking at.”
What’s Next for Midzic?
As of now, Midzic remains in the UK, and Typhon Capital has not issued an official comment.
Whether she will be able to return to the U.S.—or continue raising capital for her firm from overseas—remains uncertain.
One thing’s clear: in the current climate, even the ultra-connected and well-heeled can find themselves grounded.