A federal judge in New York ordered the case of Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil be transferred from New York to New Jersey where his lawyers will continue their legal efforts for his release.

NEW YORK (AP) — A Columbia University student activist who was detained by the U.S. government over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations has the right to challenge the legality of his detention, but the case should be heard in New Jersey, rather than in New York or Louisiana, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Mahmoud Khalil’s case was transferred to New Jersey on Wednesday by a federal judge in a compromise rejecting the pro-Palestinian activist’s bid to keep it in Manhattan and the Justice