You should not lie to them, but they basically play a huge bluff game. They will scare you into thinking they know all. They do not, they are largely playing a confidence game. Cartel members or their clients who are coached will make it through no problem with the right story if they already have a visa. A relatively innocent european who admits they are going to tattoo someone, because they are naive, will get sniffed out and crucified.

I have been to Iraq and Syria so I have been subjected to imprisonment and/or intense questioning almost everytime I enter. I'm pretty familiar with their system and interrogation techniques.