I am in Quartzsite , and planning to visit Algodones for meds and dental. Have the border issues affected safety in Algodones? How about the Pilot Knob LTVA Area? Most of thee news I have seen lately centers around the Tucson area.
Outside of Arizona the major crossings issues are in Texas.
The only non-US citizens that I have ever observed waiting in the line in Los Aldodones to cross to the USA, were Canadians. A Canadian driver license doesn't work to cross back.
The only Mexicans, in that border crossing area on the Mexican side, were locals selling refreshments to those waiting in line to return North. Last chance to get some USD from the gringos.
Los Algodones is safe, as the local economy depends on Americans in need of cheap meds, eyeglasses, and dental care. We are their cash cows, just as we are to the American sickcare industry.
In a lengthy dental procedure I get TMJ, and no American in a dental office has ever offered to massage my jaw muscles. In Los Algodones I have had that happen twice, first was a dental assistant, the last time it was the crew chief of a mobile root canal team that did me the honor. The team was very good at what they do. Easiest root canal ever.
As to dispersed camping and illegals, that has only happened to me outside of Ajo. Eight young military aged males in military clothing stopped and asked if I had food to spare. I politely said "No", and they left peacefully. I thought about whether or not to report the incident via 911, then very quickly the Border Patrol and the Sheriff's Office responded to the area and were searching for a couple of hours in the dark. Enough excitement for me. I relocated south to Gunsite Wash south of the CBP facility near Why. No issues while there.