CARLSBAD — A recent guest speaker event at Carlsbad High School sparked alarm and confusion among some students, parents and teachers after a man dressed in a Border Patrol-style uniform arrived on campus in a faux law enforcement vehicle.
But that’s only part of the story.
The May 9 event, which was held during longtime teacher Bruce Aster’s AP Government class, featured satirist and radio host Randy “R Dub!” Williams, self-declared sultan of the parody micronation Slowjamastan.
Williams was joined by Mark Corona, Slowjamastan’s chief border agent, who wore tactical gear and arrived in a white truck labeled “Porder Batrol,” a deliberately misspelled imitation of the federal law enforcement agency vehicle.
Corona told The Coast News that law enforcement officers have stopped to check out the truck in the past, but the interactions always ended positively. The “Porder Batrol” vehicle is a clear parody, intentionally misspelled and satirical, with no ties to real government or law enforcement.
“I’ve had nothing but positive encounters with folks, usually ending in requests for selfies with me and the truck,” Corona said. “Often I hand out small gifts and by the end of it all, new relationships are forged.”
A teacher at the school, who requested anonymity, said the truck arrived on campus with its lights and sirens activated before school hours, causing confusion among security staff and concern from some students. After confirming they were part of a pre-approved classroom visit, administrators reportedly allowed the visitors to stay, but asked that the truck be moved off campus.
“Other students saw the fake Border Patrol vehicle in the parking lot and expressed concern to the administration,” the teacher said. “The administration discussed and told the person to move their vehicle to the street.”
Williams said the class presentation had two parts. The first involved a discussion of the Montevideo Convention’s criteria for statehood, using real-world examples and his own micronation. Secondly, the personal stories from his travels to every country, a goal he completed in 2023.
“We examined real-world examples of partially-recognized or unrecognized nations — Kosovo, Somaliland, Transnistria, Palestine and Vatican City — and then applied those same standards to my own micronation, Slowjamastan,” Williams said. “The exercise encouraged students to think critically about what defines sovereignty and legitimacy on the world stage.”
While many students reportedly engaged positively with the discussion, reports stated some found the presence of the Border Patrol-themed vehicle troubling, given the broader political context surrounding increased immigration enforcement and deportations under the Trump administration.
“I think at the high school level, we have guest speakers for clubs, we have guest speakers for classes, but having the vehicle, I think is a different type of line,” said the teacher. “Coming in costume is also a different line that’s being crossed.”
Williams, who said he has spoken in classrooms since 1998, emphasized the intent was educational and lighthearted.
“I would argue the so-called ‘concern’ came from one person with a little too much time on her hands and a lack of understanding of satire,” Williams said. “We were asked to move the truck shortly after we arrived, and we did without hesitation.”
According to Williams, the presentation took roughly 10 hours of personal time and was intended to inspire students.
“As a kid, I still remember the few guest speakers who sparked something in me,” he said. “If I can be that for even one student, then it’s time well spent.”
Still, others questioned the appropriateness of the imagery used, especially at a time when concerns about immigration enforcement are elevated and the district has previously affirmed protections for undocumented students.
“Students have the right to access school without [being] free from harassment, intimidation, all that stuff,” the teacher said. “And to me, having a fake Border Patrol, even if it’s a joke, a student might not think it’s a joke, that can be intimidating.”
Carlsbad High School Principal Julie Redfield, in a brief email to The Coast News, stated, “We addressed any concerns that were brought to our attention as needed.” Redfield mentioned that the district had been informed but did not elaborate further.
The Carlsbad Unified School District did not respond to requests for comment.
Williams said the group often appears at community events, including charity car shows and parades, and is generally well-received by the public.
“People love the Porder Batrol truck and The Chief, who regularly passes out free bottled water and other small gifts,” he said. “It is commonplace for folks to request selfies with the truck and our ‘chief.'”
