Back in the early 1970s my great aunt and uncle drove their motor-home down to the Panama Canal. Much of the way the would hire a local "protection" guy for a trip across their "territory" and just hire a new one at the next area from the different countries. I don't know how they knew who to hire.

They drove back north, and went all the way to Nome Alaska, with a short stop at "home" in Seattle area. They talked endlessly about how much fun the had, and what they saw.

Back in the 70's a kid I grew up with got caught by the authorities smoking a joint in Tijuana. They called his father and told him to send them 5 thousand dollars to get his son released. After he sent the money they wanted more of course. He actually sent them a couple more thousand on the promise they would release him. Then they wanted more and suggested he sell his house. He said he didn't own one and was tapped out. They released him.

As an alternative to TJ think about Tecate. It's a smaller town, still quite Border Mexico, but with a lot less push and shove.

Also, you can visit the Campo Railway Museum (https://www.psrm.org/) and even take a short trip through some cool back country scenery.

The Guadalupe Valley Wineries are awesome.
Deckman's is a Michelin Star restaurant highly recommended
https://www.deckmans.com/