Of course, that’s a stereotype that holds nearly everywhere. However, in Mexico and some other places, it’s even wary locals that get targeted for kidnapping, or are victims of misidentification or are merely in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Unfortunately, México, broadly, is that way currently. There are myriad stories reported in the media, and friends and family of mine are affected by this. The most recent incident only brings about more speculation - were the victims targeted for collaborating with a cartel, were they misidentified, or what?

It gets down to area, not just how one comports oneself. How safe is the area? Monterey is considered relatively safe, yet mishaps can occur (e.g. a shooting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Monterrey May have targeted some considered “enemies” by a cartel, but anyone caught in a crossfire is affected.

If it were me, I’d contact the Consulate, and the local Am Cham or other expat networks where people are generally knowledgeable and willing to provide information.

E.g. https://www.amcham.org.mx/en/location-mty

I’ve lived in Mexico and am bicultural and bilingual, and have visited 106 of 196 nations, often many times.