In 1846 during the Mexican-American War, Foxen guided John C. Frémont over the Santa Ynez Mountains at San Marcos Pass. The Californios felt he was a traitor to his adopted country Mexico, and his property was raided several times. In a confrontation in 1848, Foxen killed Agustín Dávila of Rancho Corral de Cuati. Foxen was sentenced to four years in jail.