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 Cliven Bundy, 69, has been jailed since his arrest on Feb. 10 at
the Portland International Airport after arriving there on his way
to show support for anti-government militants who had taken over the
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon.
Bundy and two of his sons, Ammon and Ryan, who were indicted in
connection with leading the Oregon occupation and also face charges
with their father in the Nevada standoff, have become popular
figures for groups challenging federal control over vast stretches
of public land in the West.
Prosecutors have said the elder Bundy trespassed on federal lands
for over 20 years, refusing to secure the necessary permits or pay
the required fees the government charges ranchers to let their
cattle graze on U.S.-owned public property.
 In an enforcement action nearly two years ago, the U.S. Bureau of
Land Management sent armed rangers to Bundy's ranch about 80 miles
(129 km) northeast of Las Vegas to confiscate his cattle.
Anti-government groups and other supporters rallied to Bundy's
defense. In an armed standoff on April 12, 2014, along Interstate
15, they confronted federal agents, who ultimately backed down and
returned the cattle they had seized.
The case against Bundy stems from that clash. He was indicted on
charges of conspiracy, assault on a law enforcement officer,
carrying a firearm in a crime of violence, obstruction of justice,
interference with commerce by extortion and aiding and abetting
others in breaking the law.
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Defense lawyers in court papers filed on Wednesday sought his
pre-trial release, arguing Bundy is peaceable and not a flight risk.
"When he is released he is going to go back to the ranch and take
care of his chores there," attorney Joel Hansen wrote.
A federal judge in Oregon last month ordered Bundy to remain in
custody, finding that the rancher, who at times has traveled with
armed guards, was a flight risk and posed a public threat.
Prosecutors have cited that ruling in opposing further consideration
of his pre-trial release.
The federal judge in Las Vegas on Thursday morning was scheduled to
hear arguments on whether to hold a new detention hearing for Bundy.
(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Steve
Gorman, Bernard Orr)
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