That is exactly what has happened to the Baja. Cabo San Lucas and San Jose were two of the safest destinations in Mexico until it became extremely difficult for anyone not named Walter White to cook meth. 30-years ago any local in San Lucas caught fucking with a gringo was given three choices, go to jail, accept a one-way ticket to the mainland, or dig your own hole out in the desert. It's still safer than most resort destinations in Mexico, but not nearly as safe as it was.
When I was a kid I traveled to or through Matamoros quite often with my parents and grandparents. Always stopped at Garcia's for drinks and The Drive Inn for dinner. Went dove hunting outside Ciudad de Victoria once a year since I was able to pick up a shotgun. At some point on a trip across the border during Spring Break, I realized it probably wasn't worth it and began going to Cabo with friends and my family. I do miss hunting and fishing trips down there.