Coast Guardsmen stand in front of two truckloads of liquor seized on April 14, 1931, after a battle between three policemen and several alcohol smugglers near Falmouth, Mass.

As the actions of agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement come under intense scrutiny, it’s worth noting that a little more than 100 years ago, another expansion of federal policing – to enforce national Prohibition – also sparked nationwide concern.

As a U.S. history scholar, I know both the government agencies charged with enforcing national Prohibition in the early 20th century and with mass deportation in the early 21st century were hastily expanded. They were asked to achieve difficult objectives and were staffed by sometimes poorly trained people who at times resorted to violence.

Originally published on theconversation.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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