Lou Dobbs, a veteran CNN anchor whose anti-immigration stance in recent years angered many Latino groups, left the network today in a surprise announcement.

Dobbs, who has been at the network for much of its 29-year existence, alluded to the maelstrom that has been building against him in recent months for his outspoken advocacy against illegal immigration:

Over the past six months it’s become increasingly clear that strong winds of change have begun buffeting this country and affecting all of us, and 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. And to continue to do so in the most honest and direct language possible.

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You can read his statement in full here.

Dobbs, according to the New York Times, wasn’t specific what his next step might be. His contract with CNN wasn’t actually up until 2011 but he said he and CNN bigwigs agreed to let him out of his contract early.

While this news may be a surprise to some, it’s clear CNN saw it coming because the network plans to announce a replacement Thursday morning, the Times said. A Fox spokesperson denied that he was in talks with Fox or Fox Business.

Dobbs, 54, was a straightforward anchor in the early years but in more recent times has taken on issues such as outsourcing, free trade deals and corporate handouts.

Latino groups have been trying to pressure CNN to get rid of Dobbs this year and leaders are citing victory.

Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Associaton of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO), said groups began actively lobbying CNN to drop Dobbs earlier this year after he spoke to The Federation For American Immigration Reform, which many believe is a hate group. “He’s been spreading hate and fear against Latinos for many years,” Gonzalez said. “I’m glad it’s going to end, at least on CNN. I think this sends a clear message the power and growth of Latinos and the immigrant community.”

He spoke about the issue just last month when CNN aired “Latinos in America,” a documentary about life as a Latino today. He liked what he had seen in that special but felt Dobbs’ presence on the network was an overarching negative for CNN.