Strange, have lived in this area for over 40 years and have not experienced any of the problems you described. However, we don’t sleep on the side of the road. Perhaps it’s not too smart to try and sleep by the side of the road most anywhere. Was just recently in Espanola and didn’t see any drug runners with guns.
New Mexico is a wonderful place to visit in spite of what one person wants to spout off about. Sure there are problems in places, but no different than most any other area in the US.
Come on out and enjoy the culture, eat some green chili and have a good time.
Keith