As Fidel Castro was laid to rest in Santiago de Cuba, dozens of pro-Castro supporters gathered in New York City to pay their respects. NY1's Gene Apodaca filed the following report.

As dozens of people mourned Fidel Castro's death outside the Cuban Mission to the United Nations, the fervor over the Cuban leader's passing turned a day of mourning into a day of protest. 

"We want the United States to get its hands off Cuba. We want Cuba to have the right to live in peace," said one demonstrator.

Like the thousands of Cubans who lined the streets of Santiago de Cuba Sunday to watch the former president's ashes head to interrment, many here believe Castro was not the cruel dictator known to the world. 

"I think whatever Fidel and the people did is good for them. Free education, free health care for everybody," said one demonstrator.

But that is not the view of many Cuban dissidents who now reside in the United States. Many refused to shed a tear for the man they blame for destroying their country.

Julio Pabón wrote a book detailing Castro's 1995 visit to the south Bronx, where he described a different impression of the Cuban leader and his country.

"There's an incredible amount of love for Puerto Ricans and Americans, and there's a warmth that basically exemplifies a love of a country that basically has no animosity to this country at all," Pabón said.

Protestors say they chose Castro's funeral to hold this rally, fearful that the incoming Trump administration may create a bigger divide between the United States and Cuba.

"We believe that Obama made some important steps lifting some of the travel ban and so forth. We're worried that the Trump administration may reverse all that," said organizer Teresa Gutierrez.

Contemplating the future, as one controversial leader is laid to rest.