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.

The Trump administration has sought to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, though he is a legal permanent resident and has not been charged with a crime.

A U.S. district judge said the law required the case be heard in the venue where Khalil was being held when his attorneys first filed a lawsuit challenging his detention.