New Haven Immigration Activist Kica Matos Named to TIME100 List

Matos, a longtime resident and president of the National Immigration Law Center, was recognized for her advocacy work against ICE actions in Connecticut.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:55pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary figure standing on a dimly lit city street corner, partially obscured by shadow but illuminated by a warm, golden streetlamp, conveying a sense of quiet determination and resilience.Kica Matos, a leading immigrant rights activist in Connecticut, has been recognized for her tireless advocacy work against the Trump administration's immigration policies.New Haven Today

Kica Matos, a prominent immigrant rights activist based in New Haven, Connecticut, has been named to TIME magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2026. Matos, who is the president of the National Immigration Law Center, has been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies, including numerous ICE raids and funding cuts to refugee services in the state.

Why it matters

Matos' inclusion on the prestigious TIME100 list shines a national spotlight on the ongoing battles over immigration policy in Connecticut and the work of local activists fighting against the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Her recognition underscores the growing influence of the immigrant rights movement as it seeks to counter the administration's efforts to build what Matos calls an 'authoritarian regime off the backs of immigrants'.

The details

Matos, who lives in the heavily immigrant Elm City neighborhood of Fair Haven, has been a constant presence at anti-ICE actions across Connecticut since Trump took office in 2025. She has spoken at rallies, filed lawsuits against the federal government, and even led a room of local leaders in singing 'Happy Birthday' for a Meriden teen who was held in immigration detention for six months. Prior to her current role, Matos ran JUNTA for Progressive Action, the oldest Hispanic, community-based nonprofit organization in New Haven, and served as a deputy mayor during ICE raids that shook the city in 2007.

  • Matos was named to the TIME100 list on April 17, 2026.
  • Matos has been a vocal opponent of the Trump administration's immigration policies since Trump took office in January 2025.

The players

Kica Matos

A longtime New Haven resident and the president of the National Immigration Law Center, Matos has been a leading advocate for immigrant rights in Connecticut and a vocal critic of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who was also named to the TIME100 list alongside Matos. Matos has criticized Trump's efforts to build what she calls an 'authoritarian regime off the backs of immigrants'.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Kica Matos, President, National Immigration Law Center

What’s next

Matos is expected to continue her advocacy work against the Trump administration's immigration policies, including organizing protests and legal challenges. The TIME100 recognition is likely to further raise her national profile and amplify her voice in the ongoing debate over immigration reform.

The takeaway

Kica Matos' inclusion on the TIME100 list underscores the growing influence of the immigrant rights movement in Connecticut and across the country, as activists like Matos work to counter the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants and defend the rights of their communities.