TAMPA, Fla. — Protests continued for the fouth night in a row Wednesday as Cuban Americans called for freedom in Cuba.

Gatherings were held in Ybor City and at the intersection of N. Dale Mabry Hwy and W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Protesters along Dale Mabry called for humanitarian intervention from the United States.

"They're taking them away from their house, making them go against the people in the streets, and we need help here. Over there, we need support. We need everybody to go over there and help us," said Lisandra Riquene, who wore a shirt that read "Patria y Vida" on the back, which means "Homeland and Life". 

A large crowd gathered near the intersection with Cuban and American flags and held signs and chanted, calling for freedom in Cuba.

A number of protesters told Spectrum Bay News 9 that they haven't been able to get in touch with family members in the country for days.

The Cuban government controls cell phone and internet service and cut off communication with the outside world as citizens took to the streets to protest the communist-led government. What people said they do know about what's happening in the country is not good.

They said relatives are starving, basic medical care and supplies are difficult or impossible to find, and videos and images are emerging on social media of violence against citizens.

"We want intervention!" was chanted over and over by protesters. That was a point stressed by multiple people - they want the U.S. to step in and help the people of Cuba.

"All we have right here on Martin Luther King, Jr. is the dreams - the same dreams that Dr. King had - for the day that Cubans, regardless of the color of their skin or the color of their ideas can live in peace, in freedom, with all full human rights," said protester Angel Tur.