Attorneys for the Justice Department on Wednesday are hoping to move Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil's deportation case from New York to either New Jersey or Louisiana.

Khalil, a green card holder who was arrested Saturday by federal immigration authorities, allegedly helped orchestrate a massive antisemitic protest at Columbia University last year. He is also married to a U.S. citizen. He is currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a facility in Louisiana.

The Trump administration is attempting to revoke his green card and student visa, which would lead to his deportation from the country. U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman has temporarily blocked his deportation. 

Furman instructed the Justice Department to file its motion to move the case to either Louisiana or New Jersey by midnight on Wednesday, The Hill reported. Khalil is currently being held in Louisiana, but was first sent to New Jersey. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Waterman, who is representing the government, argued that New York is not the proper place, even though the protests occurred in the state.

“There could be arguments for either New Jersey or Louisiana," Waterman told NBC News. “[But the Southern District of New York] is not proper and it should be moved to a different venue.” 

The judge also ordered the Justice Department and attorneys for Khalil to file a joint letter by Friday that details further plans for arguments in the detention case.

Khalil is expected to appear at an immigration court in Louisiana on March 21. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.