Golden Apple Buffet, located at 3801 Mexico Rd, St. Charles, MO 63303, was raided by ICE.


ST. CHARLES, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) A high-visibility federal enforcement action connected to the Golden Apple Buffet along Mexico Road brought a sizable law-enforcement presence to the corridor earlier this week. Agents working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the FBI executed court-authorized activity at the restaurant and at a nearby residence, prompting widespread community interest and a temporary closure notice posted at the business.


What We Know So Far


Local officials confirmed that federal agents carried out court-approved operations tied to an investigation that includes immigration-related allegations. Two St. Charles County residents were taken into custody and later charged in federal court with offenses associated with harboring individuals lacking lawful status. As with any criminal case, those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


The restaurant’s front door displayed a sign indicating it was “closed until further notice.” No reopening timeline has been announced. Authorities have not released additional operational guidance for the business, and details about the scope of the investigation remain limited while the case proceeds.

Location Details and Municipal Lines


Golden Apple Buffet sits on the well-traveled Mexico Road corridor, frequently described by residents as “St. Charles,” though parts of Mexico Road cross municipal boundaries with St. Peters. That geography sometimes leads to early reports using different city names to describe the same cluster of stores and restaurants. Regardless of the municipal terminology, the enforcement activity took place at the Golden Apple Buffet location, known to area diners.

What Officials Have Said


Federal authorities characterized the activity as “court-authorized,” a broad description that can include search warrants and arrests as part of a larger investigation. Local police departments stated they assisted federal agents during the operation. Health officials indicated they were made aware of the law-enforcement presence; however, there has been no public statement suggesting the health department initiated the closure.


Because the matter now sits before the federal court system, agencies are likely to limit public comment beyond confirming that an investigation is underway. Additional filings on the court docket—such as preliminary hearings, detention decisions, or superseding indictments—could clarify the government’s allegations in the days and weeks ahead.

What This Means for Diners


For regulars who planned family gatherings, birthday dinners, or group outings at Golden Apple Buffet, the immediate question is simple: when will the restaurant reopen? At this time, there is no official timetable. Customers who purchased gift cards or placed deposits for group events should monitor the restaurant’s official channels for status updates. If you prepaid for a service that cannot be fulfilled while the restaurant is closed, consider contacting your payment provider to understand available options.


In the meantime, the Mexico Road corridor offers a range of nearby alternatives—from fast-casual concepts to other full-service restaurants—if your plans involved dining in the same area. St. Louis Restaurant Review will continue to watch for verified notices from the owners or property managers regarding operations, staffing, and the restaurant’s future.

Understanding Federal “Enforcement Actions”


When federal agencies use language like “court-authorized activity,” it typically means a judge approved a specific step in an investigation—most commonly a search warrant, an arrest warrant, or both. That authorization allows agents to collect evidence and, where applicable, take individuals into custody. Importantly, an indictment is a formal charge—not a determination of guilt. Defendants have the right to counsel and a full opportunity to contest the allegations in court.


Because such investigations often involve multiple locations and record reviews, information can emerge in stages. It isn’t unusual for early coverage to focus on the most visible element—the law-enforcement presence at a business—while the legal contours take shape through subsequent court filings.

Community Response


Neighbors and shoppers reported a significant law-enforcement footprint at and around the restaurant on the day of the action. For many area residents, Golden Apple Buffet has been a popular all-you-can-eat destination known for variety and convenience. The sudden closure naturally raised questions, but with the matter now in federal court, definitive answers will arrive through official filings rather than speculation.


If you live or work near the Mexico Road corridor, expect occasional follow-up visits by officials or attorneys as the case progresses. Those visits do not necessarily signal new allegations; they often reflect routine steps in a federal investigation, such as retrieving records, confirming site details, or coordinating with property managers.

About Golden Apple Buffet


Golden Apple Buffet is a buffet-style restaurant concept offering a broad selection that typically spans American and Asian staples, as well as dessert stations, and features a family-friendly dining room layout designed to accommodate large groups. The location’s visibility along Mexico Road and its proximity to other retail draws made it a frequent stop for families, students, and local workers seeking value-oriented, variety-rich meals.

What Happens Next

Court Milestones: Look for initial appearances and any scheduling orders that set timelines for motions and discovery. These filings usually indicate whether additional defendants are anticipated or whether prosecutors plan to amend charges.


Agency Statements: As the case progresses, federal agencies may release clarifying summaries that provide more detailed descriptions of the alleged scheme. Those summaries can add context without prejudging outcomes.


Business Updates: Owners or representatives for the restaurant may issue statements regarding staffing, vendor relationships, gift cards, and any interim operational decisions.

Our Commitment to Accurate, Local Coverage


St. Louis Restaurant Review focuses on timely, community-centered reporting that respects due process and avoids rumor or sensationalism. We will update readers when verifiable information becomes available from official sources or from the business itself. Until then, we encourage patience and careful attention to confirmed updates.


Editor’s note: This is a developing story. All individuals referenced in connection with the investigation are presumed innocent unless a court determines otherwise. If you have first-hand, verifiable information relevant to this public matter, you may contact our newsroom for review.


Our sister publication, STL.News published an article about this restaurant on July 23, 2025.


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