He didn't think twice about jumping into the Rio Grande to rescue immigrants

A Border Patrol agent with South Mississippi roots helped rescue four immigrants who nearly drowned while trying to enter the United States illegally on Friday, according to the Laredo Morning Times.

According to the newspaper, agents assigned to the Laredo South Station in Texas at about 1 a.m. on Friday heard several people in the water of the Rio Grande, and they were having difficulty staying afloat.

An agent jumped in the water to help bring the four immigrants to safety, the newspaper reported. Colleen Anderson said her husband, Anthony Anderson, was the man who helped rescue the distressed swimmers.

Anderson, 27, is a Pearlington native and Hancock High School graduate, said wife Colleen Anderson. The Andersons moved to Laredo from South Mississippi in April 2009. Anthony Anderson joined Border Patrol in November 2008.

Colleen Anderson said her husband is dedicated to his career, and she is proud of his commitment to serving people. And she’s not alone. When she shared the LMT story on her Facebook page, several local residents shared the article or took time to leave messages to Anthony, thanking him for his service.

Three of the people saved from the water were from Guatemala, and the other one was from El Salvador, LMT reported.

This story was originally published July 24, 2016 at 1:43 PM with the headline "He didn't think twice about jumping into the Rio Grande to rescue immigrants."