Kica Matos Named To TIME’s Top 100

by Dereen Shirnekhi

Matos, a longtime Fair Havener and former deputy mayor, is a national immigrant rights advocate. She serves as the president of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and its Immigrant Justice Fund, and she has been on the frontlines of the fight against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and mass deportations.

Matos has a long history of service in New Haven as well. She oversaw the implementation of the first municipal ID cards, regardless of citizenship, in the country while serving as deputy mayor for community services in 2007. Seventy municipalities went on to follow in New Haven’s footsteps by creating municipal ID cards of their own.

Matos also previously worked as the executive director of Junta for Progressive Action.  

“As President Trump tries to build an authoritarian regime off the backs of immigrants, the movement to defend our communities and protect this country’s fragile democracy has risen to meet the moment,” Matos is quoted as saying in a press release sent out by the NILC.

“I am deeply honored to be named to the TIME100 list, and I share this distinction with all the incredible advocates, attorneys, and community members who are showing this nation what it really looks like to fight for justice and freedom,” she continued. “True power resides with We the People, making our voices heard and caring for ourselves and our neighbors — I call on all sectors of civil society to join the pro-democracy fight.”

TIME selected Jess Morales Rocketto, head of the Latino organizing and empowerment organization Maremoto, to write about Matos. Rocketto wrote about Matos’ love for scuba diving, and related that to her willingness to go deep.

“She fights for the people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized in our country. For decades she has fought for and alongside people on death row, working-class families, and immigrants. As the president of the National Immigration Law Center and Immigrant Justice Fund, Kica faces pressure with steadiness, rather than retreat,” Rocketto wrote. “Since she stepped into the role in 2023, racial justice, decriminalization, and immigrants’ rights have been at the forefront of her work. She has tirelessly challenged the Trump Administration on topics ranging from ICE officers wearing face coverings to the rights of unaccompanied migrant children.”

She concluded, “As I think about Kica’s impact on our country, I think about her diving. A fierce, brave explorer, shining light on parts of our world that often go unseen. But she also understands the freedom in an infinite sea.”