What are sovereign citizens?

Sovereign citizens are individuals who assert that they are not subject to U.S. laws and regulations, often claiming a distinct legal status that separates them from governmental authority. This belief system is rooted in a misunderstanding of the law, where they often argue that they have the right to operate outside the legal framework established by federal, state, and local governments. Sovereign citizens may engage in a variety of anti-government activities and may refuse to pay taxes or comply with regulations, believing that they can create their own legal documents or identities that negate the legitimacy of the government authorities. This rejection of legal authority is a core characteristic of the sovereign citizen movement, defining their actions and beliefs in relation to U.S. law.