ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – Two people tied to a raided restaurant shut down after federal immigration raids plan to reopen their shuttered restaurant as soon as possible.

FOX 2 News was the only television station in court to hear that revelation—along with another twist.

Restaurant owner Guo Liang Ye and his brother-in-law, Da Jin Ye, appeared in federal court Monday. They pleaded not guilty to harboring and concealing illegal immigrants. They may be released this week on $100,000 secured bonds.

Attorneys for both defendants said in court that they were surprised to learn that ICE plans to deport some of the restaurant workers arrested within the next seven days.

Defense attorneys John Rogers and Scott Rosenblum said it could jeopardize their defense investigation if they don’t get the chance to interview the witnesses. They argued for an order to make sure they’re able to interview those witnesses. They’ll have to use translators who speak Mandarin, Indonesian, and Spanish. They both declined to talk on camera as they’re just getting this case.

Family and friends of the defendants appeared in court in support. Some came from out of state to be there.

We also learned in court that both defendants have lived in the United States for more than a decade and that they are here legally on valid green cards. A translator said they did not understand the criminal charges against them.

Then in another courtroom development, we learned both defendants plan to reopen Golden Apple Buffet as soon as possible, maybe this week, upon their release. The judge also pointed out they operate other restaurants in at least two other states. We’ll follow up on their release and what happens at the restaurant that remains closed for now.