I mean it seems like the biggest change in this story is you. It’s true there’s more cartel stories than before I guess but if you wanted to go there you would go. I spent a week in Monterrey this year, it was lovely.
Mexico is of course full of some lovely places, but cartel violence has been increasing since around 1990 (so 30 years) and has spiked quite dramatically in the past 20 years.
And the difference between "fly into a tourist zone" and "drive across the border into 'real Mexico'" is a huge one. If you do it, you should know quite a bit or have a local so that you can notice situations before they begin.
Sure, the chance of actually being beheaded by a cartel is probably relatively slim, but it's a risk you don't need to take.
Monterrey is a tourist zone? Huh? I’m talking about the largest industrial city in northern Mexico, one that’s closely linked to the Texas economy, not Cancun.
I speak fluent Spanish and have traveled all over these areas and I think the original poster’s idea that Mexico is now off limits is about 95% media fear and hype at best.
But hey if they want to stay home in Waco or Uvalde or wherever they live to avoid violent situations that is certainly their choice.