Tips for trip next week.

"...police shakedowns bc of the mass deportations the US is doing now?" Shakedowns? How? Do you need to be worried?

The deportations are irrelevant. Indeed, seems the border crossing back into the USA is getting a little easier, because the administration is trying to increase staff.

Regarding ripoff TJ police, the local government is trying to reduce the incidence of corruption. However, reports keep drifting into the forums. Take precautions, such as, avoid heavy drinking, hide the majority of your cash as you transit from the border to your destination, no flashy jewelry, use the hotel safe for valuables, and so forth.

As Puta said, long as you don’t get intoxicated and practice common sense, you and your friend should be fine. Don’t let the possibility of getting stopped by the TJ police deter you - it doesn’t happen as often as most people think.

I just returned after 3 nights and had zero issues. Suggest that you catch the HK shuttle to/from the clubs. I've not heard of any incidents where the local police have bothered mongers in HK's vehicles.

the HK Zona Shuttle is definitely my preferred transportation now. much less risk than a taxi or even Uber. I tip the Zona shuttle driver anywhere between $2 to $5 depending on the current situation.

the bandits with badges situation definitely has been bad the last 2 years.
prior to that I used to walk many times from the San Ysidro border crossing to the Hong Kong Club. it's only about a mile walk and I would do it day and night with no problems. but that was a different earlier time of my experience...