A federal raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI on September 2, 2025, targeted the Golden Apple Buffet in St. Charles, Missouri, resulting in the arrest of 20 undocumented immigrants and felony charges against the restaurant’s owners. The operation, which also included a nearby home on Park Charles Boulevard South, led to the immediate closure of the popular eatery, with a sign reading “Closed Until Further Notice” posted on its door.
The owners, Guo Liang Ye and De Jin Ye, both 56, were indicted by a federal grand jury for knowingly concealing and harboring undocumented workers, a charge carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Court documents reveal the duo provided housing and transportation for the workers, who were allegedly living in cramped conditions at a St. Peters residence owned by Ye Investment II LLC. Neighbors reported seeing groups of workers bused to the buffet daily, raising suspicions that prompted the investigation.
The raid, marked by armed agents and a drone, has shocked the community, with customers stunned to find the bustling restaurant shuttered. Local officials confirmed the operation was court-authorized, targeting immigration violations. Critics, including immigrant rights advocates, argue the raid exemplifies the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement tactics, potentially disrupting local economies. Supporters, however, praise the crackdown on illegal employment practices.
The case, now under investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, underscores tensions over immigration policy. As the community reels, the future of Golden Apple Buffet remains uncertain, with no reopening timeline announced.
