Kidnappings are commonplace. You're usually not killed after the money is handed over. Try to stay clear of the drug activity. Thousands die along the US/Mexican border each year in the cartel wars. I forget which cartel the US government is backing at the moment, but you should probably study up on that. The last time I was there I had to step around insulent troops occupying the border town. I'm sure the guns pointed at my head from the crooks of arms weren't meant to intimidate me. And if you're going there to celebrate Kwanzaa you might want to do that in a group setting. If you're black and alone then some gang member could be tempted you as part of an initiation right. Otherwise you should have a blast.