Background: Who is Jasmina Midzic?

Jasmina Midzic is a prominent figure in the financial industry, serving as a managing director at Typhon Capital Management, a Miami-based hedge fund where she oversees $250 million in assets. Her career has taken her to major financial hubs, including New York, London, Zug, Dubai, and Miami, showcasing her global expertise. Midzic holds British permanent residency and maintains residences in both London and New York, as noted on her now-private Instagram account. Beyond her role at Typhon, she is involved with JurisTrade, a platform designed to standardize transactions in the litigation funding sector, further cementing her reputation as a skilled professional in finance and communications.

Midzic’s professional network is extensive, and she has cited connections with judges and prosecutors in the US as evidence of her respect for legal boundaries. Her LinkedIn profile highlights endorsements for her knowledge of financial markets and her contributions to the industry, including a feature in the Legal Funding Journal for JurisTrade’s launch. Her role at Typhon, which she has held since 2021, and JurisTrade, since 2024, involves significant responsibilities, including raising capital, which was the purpose of her trip to the Milken Institute Global Conference.

The Incident: A 26-Hour Detention at LAX

The incident unfolded on Sunday, May 4, 2025, when Midzic arrived at LAX from London. Immigration officials questioned her about her work status in the US, focusing on her employment with Typhon Capital Management and JurisTrade. Midzic was traveling on a B1/B2 visitor visa, which allows for tourism or business meetings but explicitly prohibits employment. According to US authorities, Midzic admitted during questioning to working illegally on this visa, earning a $13,000 monthly retainer. This confession, officials claim, violated the terms of her visa, leading to her immediate denial of entry and a five-year ban from the US.

Midzic was detained at LAX for 26 hours, an experience she described as a violation of her rights. After her detention, she was placed on a flight back to London Heathrow Airport, derailing her plans to attend the Milken Institute Global Conference at the Beverly Hilton. The conference, a key event for networking and capital-raising, was a critical opportunity for Midzic to advance Typhon’s interests. Her inability to attend represented both a personal and professional setback.

It’s worth noting that Midzic had previously applied for an L1 visa in 2023, which would have allowed her to work legally in the US as an intra-company transferee. However, her application was denied, potentially leading her to continue working on her B1/B2 visa. The frequency of her trips to the US also raised suspicion among immigration officials, contributing to the scrutiny she faced at LAX.

Statements: Midzic, Her Employer, and DHS

Midzic has been vocal in her defense, denying any wrongdoing. In a statement to the New York Post, she said, “My friends are judges and prosecutors in the US, I would not break the law. This is horribly violating my rights on so many levels.” She further claimed that officials did not listen to her explanations, attributing their response to her status as a white European working for a hedge fund. Midzic also suggested that officials were offended by her lack of interest in pursuing American citizenship, adding a layer of complexity to her allegations of unfair treatment.

James Koutoulas, the founder of Typhon Capital Management and JurisTrade, strongly supported Midzic. He told the New York Post, “Jasmina did not violate any immigration laws. If they want to smear her, then I will see them in court.” Koutoulas’s defense underscores the contentious nature of the incident and his willingness to pursue legal action to clear Midzic’s name.

In contrast, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), provided an official perspective. She stated, “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.” McLaughlin’s comments, reported by the Daily Mail, emphasize the DHS’s commitment to enforcing visa regulations, particularly in cases involving unauthorized employment.

Context: The Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown

Midzic’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of stringent immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Recent high-profile cases, such as that of British tourist Becky Burke, who was detained for 19 days over a visa mix-up, illustrate the challenges faced by individuals navigating US immigration policies. The administration’s focus on cracking down on visa violations has led to increased scrutiny at ports of entry, with officials paying close attention to travelers’ stated purposes and activities in the US.

The Milken Institute Global Conference, which Midzic was set to attend, is a significant event in the financial world, attracting leaders from business, government, and academia. Her denial of entry not only disrupted her professional plans but also highlighted the potential consequences of visa-related misunderstandings for high-profile professionals. The case underscores the complexities of US immigration laws, particularly for those whose work involves frequent international travel.

Legal Recourse and Future Implications

Midzic has the option to appeal her five-year ban at a US embassy abroad, provided she can present evidence of unfair denial. However, the process is complex and uncertain, requiring substantial legal resources. Her case raises broader questions about the treatment of international professionals at US borders and the clarity of visa regulations. For individuals in similar positions, Midzic’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of securing the appropriate visa for work-related activities in the US.

The incident also has implications for Typhon Capital Management and JurisTrade, as Midzic’s role in raising capital is critical to their operations. Koutoulas’s threat of legal action suggests that the matter may not be resolved quickly, potentially leading to further scrutiny of the companies’ practices. Additionally, the case may prompt discussions about the need for clearer guidelines for international professionals working in the US, particularly in industries like finance that rely on global talent.

Conclusion

Jasmina Midzic’s denial of entry to the US on May 4, 2025, and her subsequent return to London have sparked significant attention, both for the personal impact on Midzic and the broader implications for immigration policy. While Midzic and her employer maintain her innocence, US authorities stand firm on the need to enforce visa regulations. As Midzic navigates her legal options, her case serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls of international travel and work under current US immigration laws. For professionals and travelers alike, understanding and adhering to visa requirements is more critical than ever.

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