A Saipan immigration judge has approved the temporary release of former Imperial Pacific International chairwoman Lijie Cui, setting a $10,000 bond while her removal case proceeds.
Judge Clarence Wagner issued the ruling Tuesday after finding that Cui, who was detained for allegedly overstaying her E‑2C long‑term investor visa, does not pose a danger to the community. Wagner presided over the Jan. 27 hearing via teleconference from Honolulu and scheduled the next hearing for Feb. 18 at 9 a.m.
Cui will be released once the bond is posted and must attend all future hearings and comply with Department of Homeland Security reporting requirements.
Her attorney, Richard Wilner, did not dispute the government’s allegations and told the court that Cui has a pending I‑130 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. He said they have requested expedited review, noting that an approved petition could allow Cui to seek adjustment to lawful permanent resident status.
DHS immigration prosecutor Shannon Fruthranjit objected to Cui’s release and said she intends to appeal the order.
Wilner responded that Cui was willing to increase the bond if DHS withdrew its appeal, but the government declined.
Cui, a Chinese national and longtime Hong Kong resident, was a central figure in IPI’s development of the Garapan casino and hotel complex. The casino operated for four years before shutting down in March 2020 at the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic.
IPI filed for bankruptcy in April 2024, reporting more than $165 million in liabilities. Team King Investment (CNMI) LLC completed its $12.95 million purchase of IPI’s casino assets last year following a court‑approved auction.
As a foreign investor, Cui is required to maintain a valid E‑2C visa to remain in the CNMI.
