LAS VEGAS -- Two sons of Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and three other men refused to enter pleas Friday in federal court in Las Vegas to charges in an armed confrontation with government agents two years ago.

Ammon Bundy said that he was mistreated while he was taken by authorities to Nevada from Oregon, where he and the others have been held since their arrests in the occupation of a U.S. wildlife refuge this year.

Ryan Bundy said he wants to serve as his own lawyer.

Blaine Cooper and Ryan Payne said their rights are being violated.

Brian Cavalier offered federal prosecutors a pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution.

The men are among 19 people facing conspiracy, obstruction, weapon and assault charges in the April 2014 standoff with federal agents near Bunkerville.

Magistrate Judge George Foley Jr. entered not guilty pleas for each man and ordered them to remain in federal custody.

Defense lawyers had fought the move to Nevada, arguing that it would impair their ability to effectively represent their clients and prepare for a Sept. 7 trial tied to the 41-day armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge outside Burns.

On Tuesday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied their request to block the transfer, citing a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court opinion without offering further explanation.

The case, Hilton v. Braunskil, reiterated standards governing when a hold, or stay, should be placed on a civil judgment: when the person requesting it has made a strong showing that he or she is likely to succeed on the merits; that the person will be irreparably injured without a hold; whether issuing a hold would substantially harm other parties; and where the public interest lies.

-- The Associated Press