The Justice Department had moved to dismiss a petition that claims Khalil's detention violates his constitutional rights.

The government argued, in vain, that New Jersey never had jurisdiction on the case and that a habeas corpus petition — to release Khalil — could only be targeted at Louisiana detention

Farbiarz, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, determined that he has jurisdiction over the case because Khalil was being detained in New Jersey when his lawyer filed the challenge.