DHS reserves right to appeal Cui’s $10K bond

Описание: The Department of Homeland Security has reserved the right to appeal the $10,000 bond set by the Honolulu Immigration Court for the release of former Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC majority owner Lijie Cui.

During the 67-year-old Hong Kong citizen’s removal proceedings at the Saipan Immigration Court last Jan. 27, Honolulu Immigration Court Presiding Judge Clarence Wagner set a $10,000 bond for Cui’s release from DHS custody.

This came after the court found that Cui does not pose a danger to the community. During the hearing, Cui appeared wearing the now-ubiquitous red overalls, with heavy-duty fetters on her hands and feet, pink sneakers, and her hair tied back in a ponytail.

With regard to the $10,000 bond, Wagner set a Feb. 26, 2026, hearing to allow DHS to appeal the bond. This followed a suggestion from one of Cui’s attorneys, Richard M. Wilner, that the bond could be increased in exchange for DHS waiving the right to appeal.

DHS counsel Shannon Fruthranjit said the agency would reserve the right to appeal.

During the proceedings, Wagner also cautioned Cui and her attorneys—Wilner and Charles H. McDonald—that the $10,000 bond would be forfeited if Cui failed to attend future immigration court hearings as requested and directed by DHS.

The presiding judge also set an individual hearing for Feb. 18, 2026, at 9am, during which Cui and her attorneys are to update the immigration court on the status of her immigration case.

Wagner then set a Feb. 12, 2026, deadline on the findings for Cui’s pending I-130 petition.

Cui’s attorneys earlier told the court that she has a pending I-130 petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which could allow her to adjust her immigration status and lawfully remain in the United States.

According to the USCIS website, Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, is the first step for eligible family members seeking to immigrate to the United States and apply for lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card.