Lou Dobbs Leaves CNN

Outspoken and controversial CNN anchor Lou Dobbs announced Wednesday that he is resigning from his role as an anchor immediately.

The abrupt announcement during his evening broadcast took his colleagues by surprise, although it was well known that Dobbs's public views on hot-button issues, particularly immigration, caused tension with his employer and emboldened advocacy groups to ask CNN to fire him.

On Wednesday, Dobbs indicated that he would seek another outlet for his opinions, but his plans remained vague, according to The New York Times.

"Mr. Dobbs told viewers that he was resigning from his CNN job immediately," The New York Times reported. "Sitting before an image of an American flag on his studio set, he said 'some leaders in media, politics and business have been urging me to go beyond the role here at CNN and to engage in constructive problem solving as well as to contribute positively to the great understanding of the issues of our day.'"

CNN was expected to announce a replacement for Dobbs on Thursday morning.