Mexico is beyond fucked up these days
I use to vacation there regularly, usually somewhere in the southern coastal parts of Quintana Roo, probably been a dozen times in the past
But I have not been back since about 2012-13 for a few reasons, in the most recent years I won't go for safety concerns
I know the border towns have always been high crime high risk for any American.
The crime rates were once pretty low in the southeast coastal areas (think about 2-3 hour drive south of Cancun) but it sounds like all that has changed. The shuttle boat between playa del carmen and cozumel being bombed a couple times, cops being gunned down in the street during the day time while not even on duty, fake alcohol killing people, hotel staff ripping off in room safes on the rise (I always put a pacsafe with all my stuff inside the hotel safe), muggings, local police take bribes for everything, etc, etc Stories of drug thugs forcing protection money from the east coast resorts now (happened on the west coast decades ago)
I will say that in the past, 2000-2013 range, I always felt safe in that part of mexico. I use to walk around in the 'local areas' and ride the local bus, and eat at local restaurants (I would not just stay in the tourist areas) and never had a problem. The area is beautiful, the food good, the local native people are extremely nice and friendly.
BUT
NOT GOING BACK ANY TIME SOON