The court case of a Palestinian activist who led anti-Israel protests at Columbia University must be transferred to New Jersey while he remains in Louisiana, a federal judge ruled Wednesday in a blow to the government.

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.

The decision offers a venue compromise in the bellwether case, while Khalil's legal team seeks to release him from detention and block his deportation.